trough in form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trough in form" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that is shaped like a trough or has a trough-like appearance, but the expression is unclear without additional context. Example: "The sculpture had a unique design, resembling a trough in form, which added to its artistic appeal."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And can he shed any light on the team's current trough in form?

The Guardian

The "what might have beens" formed an orderly queue in front of City and their supporters as Vincent Kompany and the outstanding Matija Nastasic emphasised the current trough in form being suffered by Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney, while Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure controlled the midfield against Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

McIlroy can be prone to dramatic troughs in form.

BBC

Hodgson, 66, insists that, barring injury, his mind is made up and he will not be swayed by recent peaks and troughs in form.

BBC

A parametric study shows the skewed seafloor uplift produces a dispersive leading crest followed by a prominent trough in the form of an N-wave.

Ocean Modelling

He designed a system based on five large reflectors, each 62 metres long and made of glass mirrors arranged to form a trough in the shape of a parabola.

The Economist

It doesn't matter who you are, you go through peaks and troughs in your form.

BBC

Several decades ago, most predictors were based on identifying maximally valued regions of sequences; essentially looking for peaks, or troughs, in some form of a propensity plot.

Bioinformatics

From a win-loss perspective the Pies are now in their worst form trough in a decade, so what shaped a month back as a near-certain win against Melbourne is far less so on Saturday afternoon at the MCG.

The Guardian - Sport

In the middle of February 2004, a monsoon trough formed in the southwest Pacific Ocean during the middle of a Madden–Julian oscillation pulse.

Wikipedia

When Alastair Cook was last in a trough of poor form in 2010, no less an observer than George Dobell suggested Lyth as a possible alternative England opener for The Ashes – 766 runs and an Urn later that seemed somewhat ill-judged, but Lyth is still only 26 and has time to come again and prove George right.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline in performance, opt for clearer and more widely understood phrases like "decline in performance" or "dip in form" instead of "trough in form".

Common error

Avoid using "trough in form" literally. The word "trough" is often used metaphorically to describe a low point. Ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning, which often relates to a temporary decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trough in form" functions as a descriptor of a state or condition, specifically a decline or low point. While grammatically valid, Ludwig AI identifies it as unconventional. The examples provided suggest that it is used to describe a temporary dip or decline in performance, skill, or condition, with a tendency to be used in sports and economics-related content.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trough in form" aims to describe a decline or low point, but it's not standard English and lacks clarity. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that its usage is uncommon and often stylistically awkward. While grammatically valid, it's better to opt for clearer alternatives such as "decline in performance" or "dip in form". These alternatives are more widely understood and ensure better communication. Although "trough in form" may be encountered, particularly in sports or economic contexts, it's best to use it cautiously and consider alternative phrasings for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor run of form

Emphasizes a series of instances where performance is below the expected standard.

slump in performance

Highlights a sudden and marked decline in skill or effectiveness.

dip in form

Indicates a temporary decrease in performance or skill, offering a more concise alternative.

lapse in form

Suggests a temporary failure to maintain a high standard of performance.

decline in performance

Focuses on the deterioration of one's performance level, avoiding the less common "trough" metaphor.

drop in standard

Indicates a lowering of the expected level of quality or skill.

period of poor performance

Replaces the metaphorical "trough" with a more literal description of subpar performance.

deterioration in skill

Focuses specifically on the decline of a particular skill.

decline in condition

Shifts focus to physical or overall condition rather than specifically "form".

setback in progress

Emphasizes a temporary halt or reversal in improvement.

FAQs

What does "trough in form" mean?

The phrase "trough in form" is not standard English and can be unclear. It attempts to describe a low point or decline in performance, but more common phrases like "dip in form" or "decline in performance" are preferable.

How can I use "trough in form" correctly in a sentence?

While not recommended due to its ambiguity, if you must use it, ensure the context clearly indicates a low period or decline. Better alternatives include phrases such as, "period of poor performance".

Is it grammatically correct to use "trough in form"?

Grammatically, it's not incorrect, but it's stylistically awkward. Standard English offers better alternatives to express the intended meaning. Using phrases like, "poor run of form", is much clearer.

What are some alternatives to "trough in form" that are more commonly used?

Commonly used alternatives include "decline in performance", "dip in form", or "slump in performance". These phrases are more widely understood and grammatically sound.