a low barrier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low barrier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is easy to access or achieve, often in contexts like entry requirements or obstacles. Example: "The program offers a low barrier to entry, making it accessible for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It's a low barrier.

The New York Times

And there's a low barrier to entry, musically.

The New York Times - Arts

You simply need to make a low barrier or cover the crops with fleece.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is easy money, very little work, a low barrier start-up".

The New York Times - Health

It has a low barrier to entry and it has the greatest potential for viral spread.

The New York Times - Arts

As with most popular memes, it has a low barrier for entry, so naturally people loved it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Offering people a low-barrier way to publish thoughts to the web has proved to be an interesting trend.

TechCrunch

Because each user contributes computer and networking resources, it offers a low-barrier-of-entry platform with high scalability.

P2P Networking and Applications

A one-dimensional free energy landscape as a function of global flexibility reveals Trx to fold in a low-barrier two-state process, with a voluminous transition state.

Journal of Molecular Biology

In this paper we present ultra-thin body PMOS transistors with gate lengths down to 20 nm fabricated using a low-barrier silicide as the source and drain.

Superlattices and Microstructures

The modification of vertical TGA systems provides a low-barrier of entry to gathering Curie temperature data, and when integrated with DSC it can be done at low marginal cost to collecting other data about material transformations.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing opportunities or systems, use "a low barrier" to emphasize inclusivity and ease of participation. For example, "The online course has a low barrier to entry, making it suitable for beginners."

Common error

Avoid using "a low barrier" when you actually mean something is insignificant or unimportant. The phrase refers specifically to ease of access or participation, not inherent value or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low barrier" functions as a noun phrase, where "low" modifies "barrier". It commonly acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, as illustrated by Ludwig’s examples, where it often appears after verbs like "has" or prepositions like "to".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a low barrier" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe ease of access or participation. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, and it's considered to have a neutral register. When using "a low barrier", ensure it accurately reflects the ease of entry rather than insignificance. Consider alternatives like "an easy entry" or "minimal obstacle" to better suit the context. Remember that "a low barrier" emphasizes accessibility rather than a lack of importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy entry

Focuses on the simplicity of entering a situation or system.

minimal obstacle

Highlights the small size or insignificance of the hindering factor.

reduced difficulty

Emphasizes the lessening of the challenges involved.

accessible threshold

Stresses the attainability and ease of reaching a particular level or point.

easy to overcome

Highlights the simplicity of surpassing a potential impediment.

low hurdle

Suggests a small obstacle that is simple to clear.

not challenging

Directly states the lack of difficulty involved.

uncomplicated access

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in gaining entry or use.

simple to achieve

Focuses on the ease with which something can be accomplished.

effortless participation

Suggests that taking part requires little to no effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a low barrier" in a sentence?

You can use "a low barrier" to describe something that is easy to access or achieve. For example, "The competition has "a low barrier to entry", encouraging wide participation."

What's a good substitute for "a low barrier"?

Alternatives include "an easy entry", "minimal obstacle", or "reduced difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a low barrier to entry" or "low barriers to entry"?

Both are grammatically correct. "A low barrier to entry" refers to a single, easily surmountable obstacle. "Low barriers to entry" implies multiple minor obstacles that are easy to overcome.

How does "a low barrier" relate to innovation?

A setting with "a low barrier" often fosters innovation because it enables more people to try out new ideas. When resources and regulations are easily accessed, novel ventures can easily get started.