weaker than before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weaker than before" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decrease in strength, effectiveness, or capability compared to a previous state. Example: "After the recent changes in management, the team's performance has become weaker than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

On your last point, are you in the media weaker than before?

The Washington Post

Each time he had emerged battered and bruised, weaker than before, but alive.

The Guardian - Sport

But it will be weaker than before, contending both with less loyal citizens at home, and, abroad, with other actors in the global space who will often undercut and outflank it.

The Guardian - Books

The short existence of the Islamic state of Azawad showed extremists that the West is more fractious, and perhaps weaker, than before, and less eager to take on armed fighters in faraway lands.

The New Yorker

But some Wall Street segments like hedge funds are still weaker than before, and the securities industry is down 28,300 jobs in the city (though the number of jobs rose slightly in September).

The New York Times

"Add to that, Arafat is aware of Barak's needs and that means Barak's leverage is weaker than before, and he would have to be even more conciliatory at a time that the public has grown more hard-line".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"As a result of our Cambodian operation, the enemy position is weaker than it was before," Mr. Nixon bluntly remarked.

The New York Times

"He was such a lap dog and tried for it so hard, he ended up not just losing badly in the presidential stakes — I think he just looks much weaker than he was before by his rabid pursuit of Trump," said Ed Rollins, a longtime Republican strategist who is now advising a "super PAC" supporting Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

It's worth remembering that the euro has been weaker than this before — a lot weaker.

The New York Times

In reality, analysts say, both Germany and Europe are weaker than ever before.

The New York Times

In its amicus brief in support of unions, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops points out that the destruction of unions based on the loose interpretation of money as speech will render workers weaker than ever before.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weaker than before", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject was previously stronger in. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "weaker than before" without specifying the aspect of weakness. For instance, instead of saying "the economy is weaker than before", specify "the economy's growth rate is weaker than before" to provide more precise information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weaker than before" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a reduction in strength or effectiveness relative to a prior state. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "weaker than before" is a commonly used and grammatically sound comparative phrase that effectively conveys a reduction in strength or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and general discussions, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what aspect of the subject has become "weaker than before". Alternatives include "less potent than previously" or "diminished in strength", which can be used for variety or to suit more formal contexts. Be aware that while the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to provide enough context for the comparison to be meaningful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less potent than previously

Emphasizes reduced effectiveness or power, replacing 'weaker' with 'less potent' and 'before' with 'previously'.

not as strong as it used to be

Focuses on a decline in strength over time, using a more descriptive and less direct comparison.

diminished in strength

Highlights the reduction in physical or metaphorical strength, suitable for formal contexts.

not as effective as before

Shifts the focus to effectiveness rather than raw strength, applicable when discussing performance or results.

declined in power

Implies a gradual reduction in influence or authority, suitable for political or organizational contexts.

showing reduced capacity

Focuses on the lowered ability to perform or function, relevant in technical or medical contexts.

suffering a decline

Suggests an ongoing process of weakening or deterioration, often used in economic or health-related discussions.

less robust than earlier

Replaces 'weaker' with 'less robust' to suggest a loss of resilience or stability.

not quite as vigorous as formerly

Uses 'vigorous' to emphasize a decline in energy or activity, suitable for describing personal or organizational states.

waning in influence

Indicates a decreasing impact or sway, often used in political or social commentary.

FAQs

How can I use "weaker than before" in a sentence?

You can use "weaker than before" to describe a state that has diminished in strength or effectiveness compared to its past condition. For example, "After the injury, his grip strength was "weaker than before"".

What's a formal alternative to "weaker than before"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "less potent than previously" or "diminished in strength" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "weaker than before"?

Yes, "weaker than before" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative structure in English, using "than" to compare the current state with a previous one.

What is the difference between "weaker than ever" and "weaker than before"?

"Weaker than ever" suggests the lowest point in strength or effectiveness, while "weaker than before" simply indicates a decline compared to a specific prior state without necessarily implying a record low.