a trough of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a trough of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a long, narrow container that is used to hold a variety of substances, such as liquids, solids, or even sand. For example: A trough of water was placed at the entrance of the zoo so that the animals could drink whenever they needed to.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was in a trough of despair".

The New York Times - Tech

Both feature Prince Andrew, a trough of gold, and pig's ear.

The Guardian

The kink created a trough of cold, dry air in the Plains and Midwest.

The New York Times

"Ricky" is quick to fall into a trough of judgmental despair.

The Guardian - Books

On the left will be a trough of lasagna and three women clad in bikinis.

The New York Times

They sat in a trough of bone and were held in by fibrous tissue.

The New York Times - Health

On the side came a trough of shredded oxtail encircled by scalloped potatoes.

The New Yorker

Mr Bush's approval rating has lifted to 44%, up from a trough of 31% in May.

The Economist

AZT's sales, which dropped to a trough of £201m in 1995, recovered to £283m last year.

The Economist

"They gorge themselves in a trough of taxpayers' dollars, while we struggle to make ends meet".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This phase is followed by a "trough of disillusionment" in which inflated expectations hit reality.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a trough of" to describe a low point, ensure the context clearly indicates the subject that is experiencing the decline. For example, "a trough of disillusionment" should be preceded by the subject experiencing disillusionment.

Common error

Avoid using "a trough of" solely in literal contexts (e.g., a container for animals) if the intention is to convey a metaphorical low point. Ensure the metaphorical meaning is clear through context or additional explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trough of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a prepositional complement. It commonly describes either a literal container holding something or a figurative low point or period of decline. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and varied usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trough of" is a versatile phrase used to describe both literal containers and figurative low points. Grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, its meaning is readily discernible from the surrounding text. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase enjoys widespread usage in neutral and informative communication. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science", it effectively conveys the idea of holding something or experiencing a decline, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cistern of

A container for holding liquid, which directly parallels the literal usage of a trough.

a downturn of

Specifically refers to an economic or figurative decline, akin to the 'trough' in a business cycle.

a dip of

Refers to a slight decline or a downward slope, similar to the low point represented by a trough.

a tank of

Another term for a container that can hold a certain amount of liquid.

a chute of

Suggests a channel or conduit, sharing the container-like aspect of a trough.

a slump of

Emphasizes a decline or fall, similar to the concept of a trough as a low point.

a crook of

Implies a bend or hollow, evoking a sense of concavity like a trough.

a drainpipe of

Similar to a chute, it suggests a channel for carrying liquid, relating to the container aspect of a trough.

a basket of

Represents a collection within a container, akin to the containing function of a trough.

a peak of

Represents the opposite extreme of "a trough of", used to describe maximums or high points.

FAQs

How can I use "a trough of" in a sentence?

You can use "a trough of" to describe a literal container, like "a trough of water for the horses", or metaphorically to describe a low point, such as "a trough of disillusionment after the project failed".

What is the difference between "a low of" and "a trough of"?

"A low of" generally refers to a specific minimum value or point, whereas "a trough of" often implies a sustained period or state of decline before a recovery.

What can I say instead of "a trough of" when referring to a container?

If you're referring to a literal container, you could use alternatives such as "a cistern of", "a tank of" or "a basin of" depending on the specific type of container you mean.

When is it appropriate to use "a trough of" in a figurative sense?

It's appropriate to use "a trough of" figuratively when describing a period of decline, despair, or disillusionment. For instance, "a trough of despair" aptly conveys a deep emotional low.