peak and trough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peak and trough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a process that involves alternating periods of high and low activity, or any situation that oscillates between two extremes. For example, you could say: "The stock market has experienced long periods of peak and trough over the past 10 years, with the value of shares fluctuating wildly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Each dynasty goes through peak and trough in relative powers.

Yale University

Every dynasty went through peak and trough in relative powers.

Yale University

I love the way different athletes peak and trough over a season.

The Guardian - Sport

The value of agency work, so the reasoning goes, consists in this ability to hire and fire staff according to peak and trough requirements.

The Guardian - Opinion

The diversity of the plays is such that the evening doesn't peak and trough but, rather, branches out in all directions.

The Guardian

At a 24-hour dosing interval, Monte Carlo simulations predicted target gentamicin peak and trough concentrations could not be reliably achieved at any dose.

Stanford University

On a line graph, the amplitude is half the distance between the peak and trough of a daily or circadian rhythm.

Nature

The results are striking: the model predicted virtually every peak and trough of the Dow Industrials average since 1993 and continues to do so with amazing accuracy.

Harvard Business Review

And not only do commodity prices peak and trough but the enthusiasm of the world's big diversified miners for mega-deals waxes and wanes too.

The Economist

For practical purposes, it would be useful to know the typical shape of a cycle and how to recognize its peak and trough.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

HDCA had similar circadian peak-and-trough times as did ωMCA, but at much lower concentrations.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cyclical data or trends, use "peak and trough" to clearly indicate the highest and lowest points. This provides a concise way to represent the range and variability of the data.

Common error

Avoid using "peak and trough" solely in negative contexts. While "trough" represents the lowest point, the phrase as a whole describes a cycle, not just a decline. Acknowledge the cyclical nature, implying potential recovery or improvement after the "trough".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peak and trough" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the maximum and minimum points within a cyclical or fluctuating process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its application in describing various phenomena, from market trends to biological rhythms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

26%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "peak and trough" is a grammatically sound and versatile term used to describe the highest and lowest points within a cycle or fluctuation. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently encountered in scientific, news, and academic contexts. This phrase effectively conveys cyclical patterns, making it a valuable tool for precise data analysis and trend identification. While applicable across various registers, it finds particular prominence in formal and technical discussions due to its descriptive accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highs and lows

Emphasizes the alternating states of maximum and minimum values or conditions.

periods of rise and fall

A straightforward description of alternating increases and decreases.

ups and downs

A more general term for alternating periods of success and failure or happiness and sadness.

oscillation between extremes

Highlights the movement between two opposite states or conditions.

ebb and flow

Suggests a more continuous and fluid movement between increase and decrease.

fluctuations in activity

Focuses on the changes in the level of activity, whether increasing or decreasing.

wax and wane

Implies a gradual increase and decrease, often associated with cyclical processes like the moon phases.

alternating phases

Describes different stages that follow each other in a repeating sequence.

cycles of boom and bust

Specifically refers to economic cycles of prosperity and recession.

swings and dips

Informal way to describe sudden and significant changes in a value or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "peak and trough" in a sentence?

The phrase "peak and trough" is used to describe the highest and lowest points in a cycle or fluctuation. For example, "The company's profits experienced several periods of "peak and trough" throughout the year."

What's a simpler way to say "peak and trough"?

Alternatives include "highs and lows", "ups and downs", or "ebb and flow", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "peak and trough" when referring to a single event?

The phrase "peak and trough" typically implies a recurring or cyclical pattern. For a single event, it's more appropriate to describe it as having a "peak" or reaching a "low point".

What fields of study commonly use the term "peak and trough"?

The phrase "peak and trough" is frequently used in fields such as economics, medicine, and engineering to describe cyclical patterns or fluctuations in data. In economics, it describes business cycles, while in medicine, it may describe drug concentrations or physiological rhythms, and in engineering, signal analysis.