across the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the act of entering a new space or phase, symbolizing a transition or change. Example: "As she stepped across the threshold of her new home, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about the journey ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

across the threshold every Friday.

The New Yorker

The star looked in across the threshold.

The New York Times - Books

Let one visitor across the threshold at a time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To her astonishment, there lay Carson sprawled across the threshold.

The New Yorker

Kilvert never made it across the threshold, though.

The Guardian - Travel

Have we stepped across the threshold into another dimension?

The New York Times - Arts

The King of Retired Amusements shuffles across the threshold into his dominion.

The New Yorker

"Stepping across the threshold of my den," Ms. Maillet said, "I enter a separate world.

The New York Times

Paola extended a slim brown hand across the threshold and Solly took it.

The New York Times - Style

Does Groh have the fire and vitality to carry the Jets across the threshold?

The New York Times - Sports

To step across the threshold of my main door, it'll cost you a hundred in gold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across the threshold" to denote a significant transition or the beginning of a new phase, whether literal or figurative. It adds a sense of importance to the act of entering.

Common error

Avoid using "across the threshold" for mundane entries, such as simply walking into a room without any significant implication. It is best reserved for situations that carry symbolic weight or mark a notable change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the threshold" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe the manner or direction of movement. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase frequently describes the action of entering a space, physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "across the threshold" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the act of entering a physical or metaphorical space. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it's frequently employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "across the threshold" carries a neutral register, its usage implies a significant transition or the beginning of a new chapter, making it more fitting for moments of importance rather than trivial entries. Consider alternatives like "over the threshold" or "into a new phase" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant its symbolic weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over the threshold

This alternative uses "over" instead of "across", indicating a similar movement but potentially emphasizing the completion of the crossing.

stepping into a new chapter

This metaphor emphasizes the beginning of a new part of a story or a new phase in life.

into a new phase

This phrase focuses on the transition into a new period or stage, rather than a physical entrance.

embarking on a new journey

This phrase highlights the beginning of a new adventure or undertaking, rather than a physical space.

entering a new era

This alternative highlights the beginning of a new period, often with significant changes or developments.

at the gateway to

This alternative uses a metaphorical "gateway" to represent the entrance to a new experience or state.

crossing the boundary

This phrase focuses on overcoming a limit or barrier, rather than simply entering a space.

reaching a turning point

This phrase emphasizes a moment of significant change or decision, rather than a physical entrance.

passing the point of no return

This alternative refers to reaching a critical stage where one cannot go back, implying a significant commitment.

in the doorway

This alternative describes the location of being in the threshold but doesn't imply the action of crossing.

FAQs

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

You can use "across the threshold" to describe a literal entry into a building or room, or metaphorically to describe entering a new phase or stage in life. For example, "She carried her "across the threshold" of their new home" or "He stepped "across the threshold" of adulthood."

What's the difference between "across the threshold" and "over the threshold"?

While both phrases are similar, "across the threshold" implies moving from one side to another, while "over the threshold" suggests a sense of overcoming or completing the entry. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, but they are often interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "across the threshold"?

You can use alternatives like "into a new phase", "entering a new era", or "stepping into a new chapter" depending on the context.

Is "across the threshold" formal or informal?

"Across the threshold" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in written or slightly more elevated speech.