a trough on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trough on" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physical structures, measurements, or metaphorical uses involving a decline or low point. Example: "The data showed a trough on the graph, indicating a significant drop in sales during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Stocks hit a trough on March 27 , 1980 a little more than a month before the economy started shedding jobs, in May and June.

The New York Times

Muni yields began rising in November, and prices, which move in the opposite direction, fell, hitting a trough on Jan . 14 he said.

The New York Times

The Micex market slumped 11 percent to a trough on Dec. 12, compared with an average 6 percent decline for other emerging markets, according to Aton, a Moscow brokerage.

The New York Times

Each half of the jaw is hinged to the skull by a transverse roller that fits tightly into a trough on the underside of the skull, making grinding movements impossible even if the cat had teeth suitable for grinding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The low meandered several hundred miles off the coast of Baja California before degenerating into a trough on October 5.

Wikipedia

Late on October 31, the system was no longer classifiable as a tropical system, and the remnants continued to the west-southwest until being absorbed by a trough on November 8.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At center is a trough of water; on the left, a font of dirt; on the right, a font of blood.

The New York Times

The wave reached the Gulf of Mexico on June 20 and merged with the low a few days later, spawning a trough of low pressure on June 22.

Wikipedia

On November 2, a trough of low-pressure was analyzed near the Lesser Antilles.

Wikipedia

The nuclear deal, if implemented, could create a feeding trough on a gigantic scale for cadres and cronies while acting as a debt albatross for future generations.

Huffington Post

The remnants proceeded westward on the low-level trade winds before opening up into a trough early on August 20, and ultimately dissipated several days later.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a trough on" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates a low point or decline. For example, "The company experienced a trough on its earnings report this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "a trough on" when you mean a general low point if the physical image of a trough doesn't fit. Instead, consider phrases like /s/low+point or /s/decline+in for broader applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trough on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to describe a location or state of being at a low point. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trough on" is a grammatically correct and relatively common prepositional phrase used to describe a low point or decline, whether literal or metaphorical. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears across various contexts, from describing stock market fluctuations to geographical features. While versatile, remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose alternatives like /s/low+point+in or /s/dip+in when a more general term is suitable. Pay attention to the register, as while the phrase is acceptable in news and scientific contexts, more direct language might be preferable in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a low point in

Focuses on the metaphorical aspect of reaching a minimum value rather than a physical structure.

a dip in

Indicates a slight decline or depression, often used in graphs or charts.

a slump in

Suggests a sudden and significant decline, often in economic or performance contexts.

a decline on

Refers to the act of something going down.

a hollow on

Describes a concave depression on a surface.

a depression on

Indicates a sunken area on a surface, either physical or metaphorical.

a channel on

Emphasizes a long, narrow depression or groove.

a ditch on

Implies a man-made trench or furrow, often for drainage.

a furrow on

Refers to a narrow trench made in the ground, especially by a plow.

a trench on

Suggests a long, narrow excavation in the ground.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trough on" to describe a low point in a graph, a depression in the land, or metaphorically to indicate a period of decline. For example, "Stocks hit "a trough on" March 27, 1980."

What's the difference between "a trough on" and "a peak on"?

"A trough on" refers to the lowest point or a period of decline, while "a peak on" indicates the highest point or a period of growth. They are opposite in meaning and represent extremes on a scale.

What can I say instead of "a trough on" to describe a low point?

Alternatives to "a trough on" include "a low point in", "a dip in", or "a slump in", depending on the specific context and the degree of decline you want to convey.

Is "a trough on" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a trough on" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing data or physical features. However, ensure the context is clear and the image of a trough aligns with your intended meaning. In more abstract contexts, consider alternatives like "a decline on" for greater precision.