a high threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"a high threshold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a high degree of something, like a high level of difficulty, skill, or expectations. For example, "The teacher has set a high threshold for this assignment, so be sure to do your best work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's quite a high threshold.

Independent

"It's a high threshold to prove you are a refugee".

The Guardian

I also have a high threshold for clutter".

The New York Times - Style

"Extreme acts of cruelty require a high threshold of empathy".

The Guardian

This is obviously a high threshold and depends heavily on the size of the winning majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's just say he has a high threshold of tolerance for moral frailty.

The New York Times - Books

"Jumping requires fearlessness, a fair amount of agility, and a high threshold for pain," Prochazka said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was a naturally tough kid with a high threshold for pain.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have ethical obligations to meet a high threshold before accusing someone of such a heinous charge".

The New York Times

"We will continue to have a high threshold before we suspend because it's a severe penalty," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

That is a high threshold of proof for Mr. Hewlett's side to try to reach, according to legal experts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a high threshold" to denote that a significant level of something must be reached before a particular outcome occurs.

Common error

Avoid using "a high threshold" when you actually mean "a limit". "Threshold" implies a point that must be crossed to initiate something, while "limit" denotes an upper boundary that should not be exceeded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high threshold" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence, quantifying the degree or level required for something to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a high threshold" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a demanding standard or difficult condition. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s grammatically correct and widely used. It’s particularly common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately conveying the need for a significant degree or level of something before a particular result is achieved. Consider alternatives like "stringent requirement" or "demanding criterion" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stringent requirement

Focuses on the demanding nature of the condition to be met.

a demanding criterion

Emphasizes the difficulty in satisfying the specified measure.

a significant barrier

Highlights the obstructive nature of the condition.

a substantial hurdle

Similar to 'barrier' but implies an obstacle to overcome.

a rigorous standard

Stresses the strictness and precision of the expectation.

a steep benchmark

Suggests a challenging level of performance required.

a difficult qualification

Focuses on the challenge of meeting the necessary conditions.

a tough condition

Highlights the difficulty and adversity associated with the term.

a high bar

Informal way to indicate "a high threshold".

a tall order

Informal way to indicate "a high threshold".

FAQs

How can I use "a high threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "a high threshold" to describe a high degree or level of something required. For example, "The experiment requires "a high level of precision"" or "The job demands "a great deal of patience"".

What's the difference between "a high threshold" and "a low threshold"?

"A high threshold" indicates that a large degree of something is needed before a result occurs, whereas "a low threshold" means only a small degree is necessary.

What can I say instead of "a high threshold"?

Alternatives include "stringent requirement", "demanding criterion", or "significant barrier", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a high threshold" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the specific context. For highly formal or technical writing, more precise terminology like "rigorous standard" or "steep benchmark" might be preferable.