a low ebb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low ebb" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of decline or low point in someone's life, emotions, or circumstances. Example: "After losing his job, he felt that he was at a low ebb in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Teacher morale is at a low ebb.

The Guardian

She was at a 'low ebb,' because she was at a low ebb.

The New Yorker

Stocks in the Moscow talks are at a low ebb.

The Guardian

Confidence in government policy is at a low ebb.

The Guardian

Rushdie was at a low ebb and writing very little.

The Guardian - Books

It seems trust in Pakistan is at a low ebb.

The New Yorker

ITALY'S self-esteem is at a low ebb.

The Economist

The PCC's reputation is currently at a low ebb.

The Economist

The CIA sank to a low ebb under Goss.

The Washington Post

"He's enhanced the stature of Congress when we were at a low ebb," Mr. O'Neill said.

The New York Times

The opening scenes catch Wilberforce in 1797, when the cause is at a low ebb.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a low ebb", ensure the context clearly establishes what is experiencing the decline, such as morale, confidence, or economic activity.

Common error

Avoid using "a low ebb" to describe a brief, momentary setback. The phrase typically implies a more sustained period of decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low ebb" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes a state or condition, indicating a period of decline or a low point, as evidenced by Ludwig's confirmation of its correctness and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a low ebb" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of decline or a low point. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct and usable expression found across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "a low point" or "a decline" exist, "a low ebb" offers a specific nuance suggesting a prolonged period of weakness. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is experiencing the decline and that it's not a momentary setback. Be aware of the subtle differences between "a low ebb" and more emphatic terms like "rock bottom".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A low point

Replaces "ebb" with "point", focusing on a specific moment of decline rather than a prolonged state.

A decline

Offers a more general term for a downward trend or decrease.

A downturn

Suggests a temporary decline, often used in economic contexts.

A trough

Implies the lowest point in a cycle, suggesting a subsequent recovery.

Rock bottom

Emphasizes the absolute lowest possible state.

In the doldrums

Indicates a state of inactivity or stagnation.

At its nadir

A more formal and less common way of saying "at its lowest point".

A slump

Suggests a sudden and significant decline.

In a rut

Describes a monotonous and discouraging situation.

A period of hardship

Focuses on the difficulty and suffering associated with the low point.

FAQs

How can I use "a low ebb" in a sentence?

You can use "a low ebb" to describe a period when something is at its lowest point or in decline. For example, "Teacher morale is at "a low ebb"" or "Confidence in government policy is at "a low ebb"".

What phrases are similar to "a low ebb"?

Alternatives to "a low ebb" include "a low point", "a decline", or "a downturn", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the lowest ebb"?

While "a low ebb" is the more common and idiomatic expression, "the lowest ebb" can be used to emphasize the absolute lowest point within a specific context.

What's the difference between "a low ebb" and "rock bottom"?

"A low ebb" suggests a decline or low point, while "rock bottom" implies reaching the absolute lowest possible state. "A low ebb" might precede "rock bottom".