Threshold of adulthood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Threshold of adulthood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the point at which a person transitions from adolescence to adulthood, often associated with legal or social milestones. Example: "Many cultures have specific rituals that mark the threshold of adulthood, celebrating the individual's new responsibilities and rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is a liminal king, caught on the threshold of adulthood.

The Guardian

In the past, people in their teens played responsible roles in the society and were on the threshold of adulthood.

The New York Times

Rineke Dijkstra's "Beach Portraits" of adolescents posing awkwardly against stark seascape horizons are isolated (and isolating) images of children on the threshold of adulthood.

The New York Times - Arts

It shares similar ground with The Fault in Our Stars: the confusingly intense threshold of adulthood, full of lust, romance, gauche statements and mad idealism.

The Guardian - Film

The kids all look their age, still cute but on the threshold of adulthood, and the pictures startle as they linger on this transitional moment.

The New Yorker

He was further dismayed to discover that his charges were an unruly, disruptive group of 15-year-olds who stood cockily on the threshold of adulthood.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This person has indulged in smoking the marijuana herb in his youth, but upon the threshold of maturing adulthood gave it up for the sake of responsibilities.

Huffington Post

It is essential, she says, that parents 'see helping their daughters and sons across the threshold to adulthood as their responsibility'.

The Guardian

We and others have described the microsatellite lifecycle in three phases: birth, when a locus acquires the necessary numbers of repeats to attain the threshold length; adulthood, a dynamic phase when a locus is above the threshold for mutagenesis; and death, when the locus repeat length dips below the threshold (Amos and Rubinstzein 1996; Buschiazzo and Gemmell 2006; Kelkar et al. 2010).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

CONCLUSIONS:Higher intraindividual FG variability during young adulthood below the threshold of diabetes was associated with worse processing speed, memory, and language fluency in midlife independent of FG levels.

Duke University

Such regulation is a key determinant of normal cortical excitability and seizure threshold in adulthood [ 171].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "threshold of adulthood" to denote a significant turning point or a boundary being crossed, rather than simply referring to adulthood itself. This emphasizes the transformative nature of the period.

Common error

Avoid using "threshold of adulthood" when you simply mean 'adulthood'. The word 'threshold' implies a transitional phase or a boundary being crossed, not the state of being an adult itself. For example, avoid saying 'The challenges at the threshold of adulthood' when you mean 'The challenges of adulthood'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threshold of adulthood" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a transitional period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threshold of adulthood" effectively describes the transition from adolescence to adulthood, often highlighting the legal, social, and emotional changes associated with this stage of life. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. Common contexts include news, science, and formal business, demonstrating its wide applicability. Related phrases such as "coming of age" and "entering adulthood" offer similar meanings but may emphasize different aspects of this transition. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid using it when simply referring to adulthood itself. Be sure to also consider what aspect of this transitional phase you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Coming of age

Focuses on the experience and process of growing into adulthood, often emphasizing emotional and personal development.

On the cusp of adulthood

Emphasizes being on the verge of adulthood, close to the point of transition but not quite there yet.

Transition to adulthood

Focuses on the process of moving from adolescence to adulthood, emphasizing the gradual nature of the change.

Reaching maturity

Emphasizes the attainment of full development and responsibility, highlighting a state of being rather than a transition.

Entering adulthood

Simply denotes the action of beginning adult life, without specific connotations of challenge or preparation.

Emerging adulthood

Describes the period between adolescence and full adulthood, typically characterized by exploration and instability.

Becoming an adult

Focuses on the continuous process of growing and developing into an adult, highlighting personal growth.

Attaining adulthood

Emphasizes achieving the state of being an adult, often implying the completion of certain developmental milestones.

Age of majority

Specifically refers to the legal age when a person is granted the rights and responsibilities of an adult.

Adulthood initiation

Highlights the start of adulthood, often related to rites of passage and formal acceptance into the adult community.

FAQs

How can I use "threshold of adulthood" in a sentence?

You can use "threshold of adulthood" to describe the moment or period when someone is transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. For example: "Many cultures have specific rituals that mark the "threshold of adulthood", celebrating the individual's new responsibilities and rights."

What are some alternatives to "threshold of adulthood"?

You can use alternatives like "coming of age", "entering adulthood", or "reaching maturity" depending on the context.

Is "threshold of adulthood" the same as "age of majority"?

"Threshold of adulthood" is a broader term referring to the transition into adulthood, which can include social, emotional, and psychological changes. "Age of majority", on the other hand, specifically refers to the legal age when a person is granted the rights and responsibilities of an adult.

What does it mean to be "on the cusp of adulthood"?

Being "on the cusp of adulthood" means that someone is very close to reaching adulthood but has not fully transitioned yet. It suggests they are in the final stages of adolescence and about to enter adult life. This is similar to being on the "threshold of adulthood".