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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
trough
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'trough' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as either a noun or a verb. Example sentence: The dog slurped out of the water trough.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
There have been 32 recorded accidents over three years at Alton Towers, it emerged on Saturday, from a guest being rushed to hospital after hearing her "neck crack" on the 60mph Rita ride to an employee falling into a water trough.
News & Media
From Newcastle's Bridge Tavern to London's Palomar, some of Britain's best trough joints are now run by ex-club promoters and DJs.
News & Media
Way above the Tasman Sea, a gigantic high-pressure system moved slowly, while to the northwest an intense tropical low butted against a great monsoon trough that stretched over the north of the continent.
News & Media
In creating this "Gary Barlow" character, who raises money for charity while simultaneously trampling our shared values into the urinal trough, was Barlow in fact (like the comedy of Jimmy Carr or Ricky Gervais at its best) holding up a mirror to society, magnifying our hypocrisy through the lens of his own actions?
News & Media
Of the original Ashes squad Stuart Broad is injured, Jimmy Anderson visibly exhausted, Alastair Cook in the worst trough of his career, Matt Prior dropped and Kevin Pietersen, who received little support from Giles on the day he was announced in a provisional squad for the World Twenty20, in a kind of unspoken international limbo.
News & Media
"I think we've hit the low and we've definitely moved out of the trough.
News & Media
The increases in national output since the economy reached its trough in 2009 have been largely the result of a bigger population and an increase in the workforce.
News & Media
It's simply that in both these cases, the sustaining interactivity was for the most part founded on the use of mature technologies, long deglamorised and long settled into what the technology-consulting practice Gartner refers to as the "trough of disillusionment".
News & Media
Amsterdam's Ciel Bleu restaurant (cielbleu.nl) has just been awarded its second Michelin star - and that means Hotel Okura Amsterdam now has three places to trough featured in the Michelin guide and 75% of the capital's stars.
News & Media
His energy levels peak and trough; they're at a high when he's demanding "some pimp music" for P.I.M.P. or being lap-danced by his coterie of dancers during his gentlemanly Akon collaboration I Wanna Fuck You, and at a low when mumbling through chunks of boudoir R&B or when possessed by the ragga Lion within.
News & Media
"ABC Ultimo is a bloated bastion of broadcasting bureaucrats who have had their snouts in the public trough for far too long.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "trough" to describe economic cycles, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to the lowest point of a recession or a more general period of decline.
Common error
Avoid using "trough" when "through" is intended. "Trough" refers to a long, narrow open container or a low point, while "through" indicates movement or passage.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The word "trough" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a long, narrow container or a low point. It can also function as a verb, meaning to eat in a vulgar style. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable term in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
30%
Science
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The word "trough" is a versatile term with distinct noun and verb forms, signifying both physical objects and abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in contemporary English. Its register is largely neutral, with frequent application in News & Media, Formal & Business and Scientific domains.
When employing "trough", clarity is key. In economic discussions, specify whether it denotes a point in time, such as the lowest point of a recession, or a broader period of economic decline. Be cautious of homophone errors, ensuring the term isn't mistakenly used in place of "through". Finally, explore synonyms like "basin" or "depression" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
basin
Refers to a bowl-shaped depression or hollow, sharing the concept of a low-lying area but often on a smaller scale.
channel
Implies a narrow passage or groove, similar to a "trough" but often used for directing flow or movement.
depression
Describes a sunken area or hollow, emphasizing the downward slope or concavity.
hollow
Indicates an empty space or cavity within something, sharing the idea of a recessed or sunken area.
valley
Represents a broad, elongated depression in the landscape, typically larger than a "trough".
dip
Signifies a brief decline or sinking, often used in the context of economic or performance metrics.
low point
Represents the lowest level or value achieved, emphasizing the nadir or bottommost position.
nadir
Denotes the lowest point or position, often used in astronomical or figurative contexts.
slump
Implies a sudden or marked decline in performance or activity.
recession
Describes a period of economic decline or contraction, representing a broader downturn than a simple "trough".
FAQs
How can "trough" be used in a sentence?
Here are a couple of examples: "The cattle gathered around the water trough" and "The economy is experiencing a significant trough".
What are some synonyms for "trough"?
Depending on the context, synonyms for "trough" include "basin", "channel", "depression", or "low point".
When is it appropriate to use "trough" metaphorically?
Metaphorically, "trough" can be used to describe the lowest point in a cycle, such as an economic "recession" or a period of personal hardship.
Is "trough" a formal or informal word?
"Trough" is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the specific situation and intended meaning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested