low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it to describe something that is at a small distance from the ground or a reduced level of something, such as volume or intensity. Example: "The temperature is expected to be low tonight, so make sure to dress warmly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Data protection authorities seem content to rely on search engines' application of the ruling's balancing test, citing low appeal rates as evidence that the balance is being appropriately struck.

The Guardian - Tech

That is a hefty hit on people living on very low incomes.

The Guardian - Opinion

After three months of turbulent talks, and with cash reserves running perilously low, Greece's leftist-led coalition reshuffled its negotiating team on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

Those affected are thought to have low levels of serotonin and melatonin, which means they require much more daylight.

The Guardian

John is a lawyer: slick, conniving and low.

The Guardian - Film

There is more to an economic recovery than optimism and a low unemployment rate.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Once again it shows how voluntary action can show the way, proving that a low-carbon future is an essential, achievable and urgent priority.

The Guardian

Low-income families are the ones that would be hardest hit by such a cost increase.

The Economist

That's an increase that the companies can easily tolerate, and it would make a significant difference in the lives of low-wage workers.

The Economist

But low-key was also good politics yesterday.

The Guardian

The academic Alison Wolf has done some fascinating research showing that countries with very good prospects for professional women also have extremely high - 90%-plus - proportions of women doing the very low-paid care work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "low" to indicate a position close to the ground or a level below the average. Ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "low" as a generic descriptor when more precise alternatives exist. For instance, instead of saying "low quality", consider using "poor", "inferior", or "substandard" to convey the specific deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "low" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a variety of attributes, including physical position, quantity, emotional state, or intensity. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is a very common word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Opinion

8%

Lifestyle

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low" functions primarily as an adjective with diverse applications, from describing physical positions to economic conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used and generally accepted word. The analysis reveals its frequency across news, business, and scientific contexts, offering alternative phrases like "minimal" or "reduced" for enhanced precision. To use the word effectively, remember to contextualize its meaning and avoid overgeneralization. This guide equips you with insights to leverage "low" effectively in various writing scenarios, ensuring both clarity and impact. Remember that "low" is appropriate in several situations and should be used where it fits best.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal

Indicates a reduced quantity or degree; often used interchangeably with "low" but implies a stricter limit.

reduced

Suggests a decrease from a previous level; similar to "low" when referring to amounts or values.

small

Implies limited size, extent, or degree, akin to "low" in certain contexts like height or quantity.

depressed

Refers to a state of sadness or reduced activity, similar to "low" when describing mood or economic conditions.

modest

Denotes humility or moderation, resonating with "low" in the sense of lacking pretension or extravagance.

soft

Describes reduced intensity or volume, comparable to "low" when discussing sound or light.

feeble

Indicates weakness or lack of strength, aligning with "low" in the context of vitality or health.

humble

Signifies a lack of pride or arrogance, relating to "low" in terms of status or self-regard.

cheap

Denotes low cost or value, mirroring "low" when referring to prices or expenses.

shallow

Describes limited depth, similar to "low" when referencing physical or intellectual profundity.

FAQs

How can I use "low" in a sentence?

The word "low" can be used to describe something that is close to the ground, such as "a low table". It can also describe something that is below average, such as "low prices" or "low spirits".

What can I say instead of "low"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "minimal", "reduced", "small", or "depressed". Consider the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "low amount" or "small amount"?

Both "low amount" and "small amount" can be correct, but "small amount" is often preferred in general usage. "Low amount" is suitable when emphasizing that the quantity is below an expected level.

What's the difference between "low" and "lower"?

"Low" is an adjective describing something that is not high or elevated, while "lower" is a comparative adjective (meaning less high) or a verb (meaning to reduce or descend). For example, "The price is low" versus "We need to lower the price".