Which collocation describes a period when the level of something stays the same?

• A. Reach a plateau
• B. Hit a plateau
• C. Reach plateau
• D. Attain a plateau

Answer: (A)

When you describe data where the value stops changing and stays at the same level for a period, you use plateau to express that steady state. The most natural verb to pair with this noun in formal writing is reach. So, you say the value reaches a plateau, meaning it has arrived at that stable level and remains there for a while.

Hit a plateau is understood and used, but it can feel more informal or imply a quicker, sharper move to the flat level, which isn’t as suitable for formal descriptions. Reach plateau isn’t idiomatic because English typically needs an article before plateau—you’d normally say reach a plateau. Attain a plateau is technically possible but sounds overly formal or awkward for describing a ongoing state rather than an achievement.

For example: The stock price reached a plateau after the initial surge, remaining flat for several quarters.