dry patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dry patch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time or a situation where there is a lack of something, such as creativity, success, or moisture. Example: "After several months of consistent writing, I hit a dry patch and struggled to come up with new ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Attendance at Yale football games is on an upswing after a 10-year dry patch.

The New York Times

Baseball isn't the first sport to hit a dry patch, of course.

The Guardian - Sport

"I didn't know you were so sensitive" he said, before going to sleep in the dry patch.

Independent

The Belcampo farm is in a dry patch in a brittle county in a state that got roughly half its normal rainfall in water year 2014.

The New Yorker

On the first night, hoping to find a dry patch a land to sleep on, she had to settle for a plastic garbage bag.

The New York Times - Travel

Drug makers are resorting to such tactics because their labs are going through a dry patch and some big-selling drugs are losing patent protection.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Dry patches?

The New York Times

Admittedly, the score has some dry patches.

The New Yorker

Dry patches sometimes affect her legato.

The New York Times

There were dry patches in her phrasing, and notes not placed quite as she wanted them.

The New York Times - Arts

Avoid overmixing; it's fine if there are a few dry patches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary setback in a career or creative endeavor, use "dry patch" to convey a sense of stagnation or lack of progress that is expected to pass. For example, "The actor experienced a 'dry patch' after his initial success, but eventually rebounded with a critically acclaimed performance."

Common error

Avoid using "dry patch" to describe a literal dry area unless the context makes the metaphorical meaning clear. If describing a physical area, specify the type of 'dry patch' (e.g., a 'dry patch' of skin).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dry patch" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a period characterized by a lack of something desirable, such as success, creativity, or moisture. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, including sports, careers, and even physical conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dry patch" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a temporary period lacking a desired element, whether it's success, moisture, or creativity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, especially in news and scientific contexts. While it can refer to literal dryness, it's more commonly used metaphorically. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning, and consider formal alternatives like "stagnation phase" for professional writing. The phrase enjoys a relatively high source quality and expert rating, solidifying its reliability in diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drought period

Directly relates to a lack of something, often rainfall or success.

unproductive period

Focuses on the lack of output or productivity.

lean period

Highlights a time of scarcity or lack of resources.

stagnation phase

Highlights a period of inactivity and lack of progress.

barren spell

Emphasizes a lack of fertility or creativity.

period of dormancy

Emphasizes a state of inactivity or rest.

inactive phase

Indicates a period of reduced activity or dormancy.

slow season

Refers to a time of reduced business or activity in a particular industry.

quiet spell

Implies a period of calmness or lack of significant events.

infertile ground

Suggests a lack of opportunity or potential for growth.

FAQs

How can I use "dry patch" in a sentence?

You can use "dry patch" to describe a period of inactivity or lack of success, as in, "The team went through a 'dry patch' before their recent winning streak".

What are some alternatives to "dry patch"?

Alternatives include "unproductive period", "barren spell", or "lean period", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "dry patch" in formal writing?

While "dry patch" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "stagnation phase" or "period of inactivity" may be preferred in highly formal contexts.

Can "dry patch" refer to literal dryness?

Yes, "dry patch" can refer to a literal dry area, such as a 'dry patch' of skin, but ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion with its metaphorical meaning.