weaker than

USAGE SUMMARY

"weaker than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the strength or intensity of something in relation to something else. For example: "The coffee I had this morning was weaker than the one I had yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

U.S. Q1 Productivity Growth Weaker Than Expected.

Forbes

(See: "July Personal Consumption Weaker Than Expected").

Forbes

(See "Jobs Report Weaker Than Feared").

Forbes

— One isn't weaker than the other?

The New Yorker

Its brand is weaker than Skoda's.

The Economist

It was much weaker than expected.

The New York Times

Consumer spending was weaker than previously thought.

The New York Times

Consumer spending was weaker than originally estimated.

The New York Times

The unions are weaker than they were.

The Economist

He was always weaker than he looked.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Reason: weaker-than-expected advance ticket sales.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaker than" in comparative statements, ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "This argument is weaker than most", specify "This argument is weaker than arguments presented in the previous chapter".

Common error

Avoid using "weaker than" when an absolute statement is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "His grip was weaker than it should have been", consider whether "His grip was weak" more accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaker than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It directly compares two entities, indicating that one possesses a lesser degree of a particular quality (weakness) compared to the other. The validity of this function is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weaker than" is a versatile comparative phrase used to indicate a lesser degree of strength, intensity, or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. While its usage is more prevalent in formal contexts, it remains understandable in informal settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial to ensure the subjects being compared are well-defined. Remember also to avoid using "weaker than" when a simple, absolute statement is more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less potent than

This alternative emphasizes a lower degree of effectiveness or power.

not as strong as

This phrase offers a direct comparison of strength, using a negative construction.

less effective than

This implies that a specific thing is less able to produce a desired result compared to something else.

inferior to

This alternative suggests a lower rank or quality in comparison.

not comparable to

It suggests a noticeable difference between the two things being compared.

pales in comparison to

This alternative emphasizes a significant difference in quality or importance.

falls short of

This indicates that something does not reach the standard that it is supposed to reach.

dwarfed by

This implies a large difference in size or significance, where one is much smaller or less important.

overshadowed by

This suggests that one thing is less noticeable or significant due to the presence of something else.

outmatched by

This phrase means that something is easily defeated in a fight or contest.

FAQs

How do I use "weaker than" in a sentence?

Use "weaker than" to compare the relative strength, intensity, or quality of two items. For example, "The economy's recovery is "less vigorous than" initially projected".

What can I say instead of "weaker than"?

You can use alternatives like "less potent than", "not as strong as", or "inferior to" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "weaker than" or "more weak than"?

"Weaker than" is the correct comparative form of "weak". "More weak than" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "weaker than" and "not as strong as"?

While both express a comparative relationship, "weaker than" is a more direct comparison of weakness, whereas "not as strong as" focuses on the lack of strength. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.