reaching a low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reaching a low" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a point or level that is considered the lowest or the worst in a particular situation or context. Example: "The stock market continued its downward trend, reaching a new low for the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They dropped incrementally through 2001, reaching a low of 786.

The New York Times

After that prices went into reverse, reaching a low of £96,500 in December 2012.

The Guardian - Money

The stock has more than tripled since reaching a low of 2.47 euros on March 12.

The New York Times

Granted, ice does decline significantly towards summer, reaching a low point in the early fall.

The Washington Post

EMC shares, which have rebounded since reaching a low of $3.83 in early October, rose 57 cents yesterday, to $7.55.

The New York Times

The shares continued to slide in the ensuing months, reaching a low of $7.30 on Oct. 17.

The New York Times

Legal morphine use in India plummeted 97percentt after 1985, reaching a low of 40 pounds in 1997.

The New York Times - Health

But in general things go downhill as you travel west, reaching a low point somewhere about 58th and Broadway.

The New York Times

The diversity then declines rapidly throughout the Rhaetian, reaching a low point in the Hettangian (19 species).

Nature

Its popularity slumped in the 1980s and 90s, reaching a low point in 1998, when it came in at number 999 on the list.

The Guardian - Film

But the euro, which bought $1.17 at its inception, quickly lost ground, reaching a low of nearly 82 cents in the fall of 2000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reaching a low", ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining and the units of measurement (e.g., "The stock price reached a low of $5").

Common error

Avoid assuming an immediate recovery after "reaching a low". While it suggests a bottom, further decline or prolonged stagnation is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reaching a low" functions as a verbal phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the action of attaining the lowest point or level. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reaching a low" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something declining to its lowest point. As Ludwig AI notes, it's used across various contexts, from financial reports to scientific data. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, indicating its widespread applicability in reporting on declines in objective metrics. While the phrase implies a bottoming out, it does not guarantee an immediate reversal. Alternatives like "hitting a low" or "bottoming out" offer similar meanings with slight nuances in emphasis. Therefore, when writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining and avoid assuming an automatic recovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hitting a low

Synonymous, but "hitting" may imply a more sudden or impactful event.

at its lowest point

More descriptive, specifying the state of being at the minimum.

bottoming out

Implies a potential for reversal after reaching the low point.

declining to a minimum

More formal and explicitly states the decline.

reaching its nadir

More technical and formal, often used in scientific contexts.

experiencing a trough

Suggests a temporary low point within a cycle.

plumbing the depths

Figurative language, implying a significant decline to a very low level.

descending to its lowest level

Focuses on the downward movement and the achievement of the lowest level.

slumping to a bottom

Emphasizes a negative trend and the attainment of a bottom.

touching its lowest ebb

Ebb suggests a gradual decline, often related to tides or fortunes.

FAQs

How can I use "reaching a low" in a sentence?

You can use "reaching a low" to describe a point when something hits its lowest value, such as "The company's profits are reaching a low this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "reaching a low"?

Alternatives include "hitting a low", "at its lowest point", or "bottoming out" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "reaching to a low" instead of "reaching a low"?

No, the correct phrasing is "reaching a low". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What does it imply when something is described as "reaching a low point"?

It implies that something has declined to its lowest level, whether it's a physical quantity, emotional state, or abstract concept. It does not guarantee a subsequent increase or improvement.