in the trough

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the trough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a low period in a cycle or trend, especially in relation to financial markets or economics. For example, "The economy experienced a significant downturn during the trough of the recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I fell in the trough of poo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They [the Kinnocks] haven't got their noses in the trough, they're in the trough".

The Guardian

I will not put my snout in the trough.

The Guardian

The beans in the trough seemed hotter than that.

The New Yorker

Less rolling in the trough of the wave.

The New Yorker

The snouts have been buried deep in the trough.

The Guardian - Books

He referred to Scottish "snouts firmly being in the trough".

The Guardian

Everyone else in Ambridge has their snout in the trough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Richard Bacon MP accuses BBC of having "snouts in the trough" and indulging in "cronyism".

The Guardian

He crumpled newspaper pages and placed them in the trough between pieces of seasoned oak.

The New York Times

But that might just mean Labour's spell in the trough is alarmingly sustained.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing negative situations or periods, "in the trough" can add vividness to your writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your piece.

Common error

Avoid using "in the trough" to describe a permanently negative situation. This phrase implies a cycle with the potential for eventual recovery, so it's inaccurate for irreversible declines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the trough" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or condition within a cycle or period of decline. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a low point, whether literal or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the trough" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the lowest point of a cycle, as verified by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts, signaling a neutral register. Related phrases include "in a slump" and "at a low point", offering similar nuances. A key writing tip is to use this phrase to give vividness to your writing, but ensure it aligns with the tone of your piece. Be careful in not using "in the trough" to describe a permanently negative situation, because implies the possibility of recovery. The phrase has the function to describe a low point and the purpose to mark hardship and stagnation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a slump

Focuses on a period of decline or poor performance, specifically related to business or economy.

in a downturn

Highlights the declining phase of an economic or business cycle.

at a low point

Emphasizes the lowest or most unfavorable stage of a situation.

in a recession

Specifically relates to a period of economic decline.

in decline

Indicates a state of diminishing or worsening conditions.

at its nadir

Uses a more formal term for the lowest point.

in the depths

Suggests being in the deepest, most severe part of a difficult situation.

in the doldrums

Implies a state of inactivity or stagnation.

in a trough of disillusionment

This is a longer version that applies specifically to the hype cycle framework, and refers to a period of disappointment following initial enthusiasm.

experiencing a lull

Indicates a temporary pause or decline in activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the trough" to describe being at the lowest point of a cycle, such as "The economy is currently "in the trough" of a recession" or "After the initial excitement, the technology found itself "in the trough" of disillusionment".

What's the difference between "in the trough" and "in a slump"?

"In the trough" generally refers to the lowest point in a cycle, while "in a slump" usually describes a period of poor performance or decline, often in a business or economic context. Both suggest a negative situation, but "in the trough" more strongly implies a cyclical pattern.

What are some alternatives to saying "in the trough"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at a low point", "in a downturn", or "in decline" to convey a similar meaning. Consider the specific nuance you want to emphasize when choosing an alternative.

Is it appropriate to use "in the trough" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the trough" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing economics, business cycles, or technology adoption. However, be mindful of your audience and ensure the metaphor is clear and relevant to the topic.