at a low point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a low point" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when someone is experiencing difficult or bad times. For example: "I was at a low point in my life when I decided to make a change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In many respects we were at a low point.

The Guardian

Selig's visit came at a low point for the franchise.

The New York Times

"Then I was at a low point," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It caught him, he says, at a low point.

The Guardian - Film

The hospital sits at a low point in the city.

The New York Times

"He was really at a low point," Ms. Bonazzi said.

The New York Times - Style

It is clearly at a low point right now.

The Guardian - Sport

"Morale was at a low point," Mr. Caruso said.

The New York Times

Mr. Kennedy was at a low point in his career.

The New York Times

I was just at a low point in my career.

Independent

In the United States, however, interest in the space program is at a low point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a low point" to describe situations of decline, difficulty, or reduced success. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decline, such as a career, a relationship, or an organization.

Common error

Avoid implying a single cause for a "low point" when multiple factors are involved. Instead of saying, "The company was at a low point because of the CEO", consider "The company was at a low point due to a combination of market changes, poor strategic decisions, and leadership challenges."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a low point" functions as a prepositional phrase that often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of decline or difficulty. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in describing various entities experiencing a downturn.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a low point" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of decline or difficulty. Ludwig confirms this with numerous real-world examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media category. Alternatives like "in dire straits" or "hit rock bottom" can be used to convey similar meanings, but "at a low point" maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the cause of the low point is clearly attributed and avoid oversimplifying complex situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit rock bottom

Indicates reaching the lowest possible point in a situation.

on the ropes

Suggests being close to defeat or failure, especially in a competitive context.

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the difficult situation.

in a slump

Describes a period of poor performance or stagnation.

going through a rough patch

Describes a temporary period of difficulty or unpleasantness.

in a difficult situation

A more general way to express a challenging or problematic time.

in crisis

Emphasizes a critical and unstable situation.

experiencing hardship

Focuses on the experience of suffering or difficulty.

facing adversity

Highlights the confrontation with challenges and obstacles.

in decline

Highlights a gradual deterioration or weakening.

FAQs

How can I use "at a low point" in a sentence?

You can use "at a low point" to describe when something is experiencing difficulty or decline. For example: "His career was "at a low point" after the scandal."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a low point"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in dire straits", "in a difficult situation", or "hit rock bottom", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at a low point"?

Yes, the phrase "at a low point" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a state of decline or difficulty.

What's the difference between "at a low point" and "hit rock bottom"?

"At a low point" suggests a period of difficulty or decline, while "hit rock bottom" implies reaching the absolute lowest possible point in a situation.