when we were weak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we were weak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a past state of vulnerability or lack of strength, often in a personal or metaphorical context. Example: "When we were weak, we learned the importance of resilience and support from one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Recalling the collision, in 2001, of a Chinese interceptor (known by the number 81192) and an American intelligence aircraft, in which the Chinese pilot was killed and the American crew of twenty-four were detained for a week on Hainan, a blogger responded, "This must be the soul of 81192 calling out: You took advantage of us a decade ago, when we were weak.

The New Yorker

And we were each other's threats, even when we were weak.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Gee, with strength like that, give us the bad old days when we were weaker.

The New York Times

But if we don't negotiate when we are weak (because we are weak), and we don't negotiate when we are strong (because we don't have to), then when do we negotiate?

The New York Times

When we are weak, we may fall for temptation, but get up and turn to God for salvation.

WikiHow

They know when we're weakest.

The New York Times

And the way other people like Vitalik and Gennadiy, also nearly strangers to us, fought to defend our lives with their own, when we were too weak and scared to defend ourselves. .

Vice

Craving, Sparks and When We Were on Fire kick up weak and cynical flumes of plastic sawdust, delivered with all the authenticity of a Voice audition.

The Guardian - Music

"Love knows that every American has worth and value, that no matter what their background, no matter what their race or religion or sexual orientation, love, love recognizes that we need each other, that we as a nation are better together, that when we are divided we are weak, we decline, yet when we are united, we are strong," he continued.

The New Yorker

We are weak when we allow racism and xenophobia to divide us.

The Guardian

We're weaker when we're not all in -- fragile both in perfection and in flaws.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we were weak" to create a contrast with a current state of strength or resilience, highlighting growth or change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "when we were weak" to generalize about inherent qualities. Instead, focus on specific past situations or periods where vulnerability was evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we were weak" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a main clause by providing temporal context. It indicates the period during which a particular condition or action occurred, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when we were weak" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe a past state of vulnerability. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts. While not extremely common, this phrase can effectively highlight a transformation or contrast with a present state of strength. The best approach to leverage this phrase is in contexts where a clear distinction between a past vulnerable state and a current empowered state needs to be emphasized. Be sure to avoid generalizations and focus on specific instances or periods to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we lacked strength

Replaces the adjective "weak" with a more direct statement of lacking strength.

when we were at our most vulnerable

Highlights the state of being easily harmed or affected.

during our period of weakness

Substitutes "when we were weak" with a phrase highlighting a specific duration.

in our weaker moments

Highlights specific instances or moments of weakness.

in our time of vulnerability

Replaces "when we were weak" with a more formal and abstract expression.

during our less resilient years

Emphasizes the lack of resilience in a specific period.

back when we were powerless

Emphasizes the absence of power or control in the past.

in our younger, more fragile days

Adds the idea of youth and fragility to the original concept.

in our days of helplessness

Focuses on the feeling of being unable to help oneself.

when our defenses were down

Uses a metaphorical expression related to vulnerability and lack of protection.

FAQs

How can I use "when we were weak" in a sentence?

You can use "when we were weak" to describe a past state of vulnerability or lack of power. For instance, "Recalling the collision, in 2001... a blogger responded, 'This must be the soul of 81192 calling out: You took advantage of us a decade ago, "when we were weak".'"

What phrases are similar to "when we were weak"?

Similar phrases include "in our time of vulnerability", "during our period of weakness", or "when we lacked strength". These alternatives offer slight variations in formality and emphasis.

Is "when we were weak" grammatically correct?

Yes, "when we were weak" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause, providing context about a past state.

What's the difference between "when we were weak" and "when we are weak"?

"When we were weak" refers to a past condition, whereas "when we are weak" describes a present or recurring state of weakness. The choice depends on the time frame you wish to convey.