a low of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a low of' is not correct in written English.
You may use the phrase 'a low for' or 'a low level of' depending on the context. For example: The company reported a low for profits this quarter. The city experienced a low level of rainfall this summer.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Their rents range from a low of $39 a month to a high of $312.

The New York Times

It touched a low of 62.1 cents in January.

The New York Times

& Fri. to a low of 80%% for Sat.

The New Yorker

They dropped incrementally through 2001, reaching a low of 786.

The New York Times

The stock touched a low of 43 cents last October.

The New York Times

The firm's market capitalisation hit a low of barely $750m.

The Economist

The euro touched a low of $1.1875 during the morning.

The New York Times

The company's shares hit a low of $17.55 last fall.

The New York Times

As those suits were resolved, new filings fell to a low of 118 in 2006.

The New York Times

(Previously, the agency's limits were a low of $201,160 and a high of $362,790).

The New York Times

The shares headed downwards almost immediately, and at one point hit a low of 32p.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a low point, consider using "a low for" or "the lowest level of" to ensure grammatical correctness while maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "of" after "a low"; opt for "for" or rephrase to "the lowest level of" to adhere to standard English grammar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low of" functions as a modifier indicating a minimum value or level. Despite its common usage, Ludwig AI flags this construction as grammatically incorrect. Alternative constructions like "a low for" or "the lowest level of" serve the same function with better grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a low of" is frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts, to indicate a minimum value. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. While prevalent, especially in journalistic reporting, it's recommended to use grammatically sound alternatives such as "a low for" or "the lowest level of" to ensure clarity and precision. When aiming for formal or academic writing, prioritizing correct grammar is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low for

Replaces "of" with "for" to indicate a record or period.

a record low of

Highlights that the low is the lowest ever recorded.

a low point of

Emphasizes the lowest point reached within a range.

the lowest level of

Emphasizes the level or degree reached at the lowest point.

a minimum of

Uses "minimum" to explicitly state the lowest acceptable quantity or degree.

a trough of

Uses the metaphor "trough" to describe a low point, often in a cyclical pattern.

a bottom of

Refers to the lowest level or position.

the floor of

Uses the word "floor" to indicate the minimum acceptable or attainable value.

a nadir of

Uses the word "nadir" to indicate the lowest point.

rock bottom of

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the low point.

FAQs

Is "a low of" grammatically correct?

No, "a low of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "a low for" or "the lowest level of".

What can I say instead of "a low of"?

You can use alternatives like "a low for", "the lowest level of", or "a minimum of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a low of" or "a low for"?

"a low for" is generally considered the correct usage. "A low of" is often used but is grammatically questionable.

When is it appropriate to use "a low of"?

While commonly used, especially in informal contexts or news reporting, it is advisable to avoid "a low of" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "a low for" or rephrasing the sentence.