a lowering tide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lowering tide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the ocean, sea levels, or metaphorically to describe a decrease in something, such as emotions or fortunes. Example: "As the storm approached, we noticed a lowering tide that revealed the rocky shore beneath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

After all, a lowering tide grounds a lot of rescue boats, literally and psychologically.

The New York Times

"A rising tide raised all the ships and a lowering tide is lowering all the ships," he added.

The New York Times

"If a rising tide raised all boats, then a lowering tide is bound to bring them down, too," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many of the companies have the ability to stay afloat in the lowering tide of expectations or, as one analyst put it, to be "recession-proof".

Forbes

As a result, some of the business's most visible players are now finding themselves stretched between their own high profiles and their industry's lowering tides.

The New York Times - Magazine

This phenomenon, known as El Niño Modoki (Japanese for "looks like, but slightly different from"), causes unusual effects—including a lowering of tide heights, a strengthening of waves, and a tendency to make storms move south.

The Economist

Lower tide may also be preferable for tall boats that need to pass under bridges.

WikiHow

This lowered the tide head to Old Ford, and prevented large boats sailing the river until the 15th century.

Wikipedia

Now, one leaky boat can have the power to actually lower the tide -- and cause all the other boats to run aground.

Huffington Post

The creeks are found to form the major pathway for the tidal inflow during the lower tides, while the sheltered interior of the forest is an effective sediment sink during the higher tides.

Geomorphology

During lower tides, more time is spent on nature interpretation.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a lowering tide" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates a decline or decrease. For example, "a lowering tide of public interest" suggests dwindling attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a lowering tide" to describe an increase or rise in something. It inherently refers to a decrease. For example, avoid stating "a lowering tide of enthusiasm" when intending to convey growing excitement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lowering tide" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "lowering" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "tide". As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct. It describes a specific state of the tide.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lowering tide" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a decline or decrease, often metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it finds common usage in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, reflecting a formal to neutral register. Remember to use this phrase to indicate something is diminishing, and avoid misinterpreting it as a sign of increase. Consider alternative phrases like "a receding tide" or "a declining trend" depending on your desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a receding tide

Focuses on the act of the tide moving away from the shore.

an ebbing tide

Emphasizes the gradual decline or outflow of the tide.

a falling tide

Highlights the downward movement or drop in the tide level.

a diminishing wave

Shifts the imagery from tide to a single wave that is decreasing in size or intensity.

a declining trend

Replaces the nautical term with a more general description of a downward pattern.

a decreasing amount

Focuses on the reduction in quantity rather than the tidal metaphor.

a dwindling supply

Conveys a reduction in resources or availability, losing the direct tie to tides.

a subsiding influence

Emphasizes the reduction in power or impact rather than a physical decrease.

a weakening current

Describes a decrease in the strength or flow of a current.

a lessening effect

Indicates a reduction in the impact or consequence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a lowering tide" in a sentence?

You can use "a lowering tide" to describe a decline in something, such as "a lowering tide" of economic prosperity, or "a lowering tide" of public support.

What phrases are similar to "a lowering tide"?

Similar phrases include "a receding tide", "an ebbing tide", or "a declining trend" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a lowering tide" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a lowering tide" can be used in formal settings, especially when discussing economic or social trends. However, ensure the context is clear and the metaphor is appropriate.

What is the difference between "a lowering tide" and "a rising tide"?

"A lowering tide" refers to a decrease or decline, while "a rising tide" refers to an increase or improvement. They are antonyms representing opposite trends.