the ebb and flow

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   The natural pattern in which something repeatedly rises and falls, increases and decreases, or comes and goes.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, usually followed by of: the ebb and flow of conversation.

   Patterns

   • the ebb and flow of something

   Shopkeepers get used to the ebb and flow of customers through the day.

   He learned to accept the ebb and flow of his energy levels.

   The ebb and flow of the conversation kept us at the table for hours.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   The regular outward and inward movement of the sea as the tide goes out and comes back in.

   Grammar: Literal use for tides.

   Patterns

   • the ebb and flow of the tide

   Fishermen plan their day around the ebb and flow of the tide.

   Children watched the ebb and flow of the waves on the sand.

   The ebb and flow of the harbor made the boats rise and sink twice a day.

Common combinations

the ebb and flow of the tide

The ebb and flow of the tide shaped the shoreline.

the natural ebb and flow

The natural ebb and flow of the seasons affects farm work.

the ebb and flow of trade

The ebb and flow of trade determines the port's income.

the ebb and flow of conversation

She enjoyed the easy ebb and flow of conversation.

go with the ebb and flow

It helps to go with the ebb and flow of the project.

Synonyms and how they differ

rise and fall

Rise and fall is plainer and more general, while ebb and flow suggests a smooth, natural rhythm.

ups and downs

Ups and downs is informal and often about good and bad fortunes, whereas ebb and flow is neutral and rhythmic.

fluctuation

Fluctuation is a formal, scientific word for irregular change, but it lacks the picture of tides.

tide

Tide used figuratively, as in the tide of opinion, suggests a general direction instead of a repeated back and forth.

Opposites

Word family

ebb verb

to flow away or decline

ebb noun

the outgoing tide, or a decline

flow verb

to move steadily

flow noun

a steady movement

ebb tide noun

the tide as it goes out

Commonly confused: the ebb and flow or ebb and flood? the ebb and flow or flux?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “the ebb and flow”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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