Lower the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Lower the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to suggest reducing a limit or barrier, often in discussions about standards, requirements, or criteria. Example: "To increase participation, we should consider lowering the threshold for entry into the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Couldn't we lower the threshold?

The Economist

Weapons at sea could lower the threshold.

The Economist

"We also pushed for the headphone jack because we wanted to lower the threshold to multiplayer gaming," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

The new standards lower the threshold for a five-year sentence to 200 grams, or about 800 pills.

The New York Times

He said the government's decision to lower the threshold to $15m at the Nationals' behest was a "dog-whistle".

The Guardian

(Frustration with this increase led the Senate, in 1975, to lower the threshold for cloture to sixty votes).

The New Yorker

In reality, not only does the complete absence of risk to the attacking forces lower the threshold for their use.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Tenet said that his analysts have been encouraged to extend themselves, to lower the threshold for what is credible.

The New Yorker

Morrison denied the findings of the report indicated the decision to lower the threshold was a "knee-jerk" reaction.

The Guardian

A parliamentary committee has just decided not to lower the threshold needed to pass an amendment.

The Economist

Although cyber-weapons may lower the threshold for attacks, they don't (yet) kill or maim people.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for broader participation or easier access, use "Lower the threshold" to advocate for reduced requirements or easier standards. For example, "To encourage more applicants, consider lowering the threshold for eligibility."

Common error

Avoid using "Lower the threshold" when the context requires increasing standards or making requirements more stringent. This phrase specifically implies a reduction in requirements, not an elevation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower the threshold" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of reducing a standard, limit, or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is frequently used in discussions about standards, requirements, or criteria.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower the threshold" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It signifies reducing a standard, limit, or requirement to facilitate easier access or broader participation. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it serves the communicative purpose of advocating for less restrictive conditions. To ensure accuracy, avoid using it when the intent is to increase standards, not decrease them. Considering semantically related alternatives like ""reduce the requirement"" or ""relax the criteria"" can provide additional nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reduce the requirement

Focuses on diminishing a specific condition that must be met.

Relax the criteria

Emphasizes making the standards less strict.

Ease the restriction

Highlights making a rule or limit less severe.

Diminish the barrier

Focuses on lessening an obstacle or impediment.

Loosen the standard

Implies making an established measure less rigorous.

Lighten the burden

Emphasizes reducing a difficult or onerous requirement.

Slacken the rule

Suggests making a regulation less enforced or stringent.

Scale down the demand

Highlights reducing the level or intensity of a request.

Weaken the constraint

Implies reducing the force or effectiveness of a limitation.

Mitigate the hurdle

Focuses on lessening the impact of an obstacle or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "Lower the threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "Lower the threshold" when discussing reducing a limit, requirement, or barrier. For example: "The company decided to "lower the threshold" for free shipping to encourage more online orders."

What's a good alternative to "Lower the threshold"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "Lower the threshold" include "reduce the requirement", "relax the criteria", or "ease the restriction".

Is it better to say "Lower the threshold" or "Reduce the threshold"?

"Lower the threshold" and "Reduce the threshold" are often interchangeable. However, "Lower the threshold" is generally preferred when discussing a standard or requirement, while "Reduce the threshold" can be used in broader contexts. Both are grammatically correct.

What does it mean to "Lower the threshold" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to "Lower the threshold" means to reduce the minimum acceptable terms or conditions. This can make an agreement easier to reach. For example, a seller might "lower the threshold" for the sale price to close a deal.