a trough at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trough at" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a long, shallow container, usually made of metal or wood, that is used to hold food or water for animals. For example, "The farmer filled a trough at the back of the barn with feed for the horses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It trickles through a trough at the base of a curving wall in the resort's luxurious spa.

The New York Times - Travel

It's a trough at which hundreds of cultural commentators (own hand raised here!) can sup, each chomping on a morsel that someone else didn't.

The New York Times

However private-sector employment has increased by 1.6m jobs since a trough at the end of 2009 and is now 500,000 higher than before the recession.

The Economist

The vTEC observations show a trough at BELE and a crest above UEPP, soon after SSC, indicating strengthening of nighttime equatorial anomaly.

Advances in Space Research

The results showed that plasma corticosterone in CIA rats had a trough at 18 00 and reached a peak at 06:00 significantly.

Journal of Autoimmunity

It meant the pace of new housebuilding was 32% below its peak level in 2007, though 94% above a trough at the height of the financial crisis in 2009.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

In patients with renal dysfunction where half life is prolonged, steady state may not be achieved at the fourth dosing and therefore a trough concentration at this time may underestimate steady-state antibiotic exposure [ 97, 98].

BMC Infectious Diseases

On first glance, it looks as if someone has won big on a slot machine: coins pour seamlessly from one piece of equipment into a trough below at alarming speed.

Independent

The appropriate concentration was defined as a trough of at least 4 times the minimal inhibitory concentration (clinical breakpoint of EUCAST).

Annals of Intensive Care

Furthermore, the test was followed by significant decreases in LDL-C and HDL-C (p < 0.001, each), with a trough occurring at 2 h after meal.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

This image depicts two adult females (Big Momma on the left and Nandi on the right) within a family group coming to the rescue of a calf that has fallen into a water trough at my elephant field site.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cyclical data or trends, use "a trough at" to pinpoint the lowest point in the cycle. This is particularly useful in scientific and economic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a trough at" when describing a single, isolated low point that isn't part of a larger pattern or trend. Opt for alternatives like "a low point" or "a minimum" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trough at" functions primarily as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It's used to identify the specific location or time where a low point or minimum value occurs within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trough at" is used to indicate the lowest point within a cycle, pattern, or trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct, commonly employed in scientific, economic, and news-related contexts. This phrase is frequently found in sources such as PlosOne, The New York Times, and The Economist. While alternatives like "a low point at" and "a minimum at" exist, they may not always capture the cyclical connotation of "a trough at". When using "a trough at", ensure it describes part of a larger, recurring phenomenon and avoid misusing it for single, isolated instances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low point at

This alternative focuses on the lowest point in a sequence or pattern, similar to a trough.

a minimum at

This alternative highlights the lowest measurable value at a specific location or time.

a dip at

This term indicates a slight decline or depression, less severe than a trough.

a valley at

Uses a geographical metaphor to describe a low point between two higher points.

a decline at

This emphasizes a downward trend culminating at a specific point.

a depression at

This suggests a state of low activity or mood at a particular time or place.

a nadir at

This is a more formal term for the lowest point, often used in technical contexts.

a bottom at

Indicates reaching the lowest level or position.

a low ebb at

This phrase describes a state of weakness or decline, similar to a low tide.

a floor at

Implies a lower limit or base level that has been reached.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "a trough at" in a sentence?

Use "a trough at" to indicate the lowest point in a cycle, trend, or pattern. For example, "The company experienced "a trough at" the end of the fiscal year."

What are some alternatives to "a trough at"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a low point at", "a minimum at", or "a dip at" to convey a similar meaning.

In what fields or contexts is the phrase "a trough at" most commonly used?

The phrase "a trough at" is frequently used in fields like economics, science, and data analysis to describe the lowest point in a recurring pattern or trend.

How does "a trough at" differ from "a low point at"?

"A trough at" often implies a cyclical or recurring low, whereas "a low point at" can refer to any isolated instance of reaching a low level.