approaching the threshold of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching the threshold of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of nearing a limit or boundary, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The researchers are approaching the threshold of a breakthrough in cancer treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At that point she ratcheted up the volume, approaching the threshold of pain, and shouted: "I'm losing you.

The New York Times

With large budget deficits and debt-to-G.D.P. ratios in the range of sixty to eighty per cent, many advanced countries, including the United States and Britain, were fast approaching the threshold of doom, or so it seemed.

The New Yorker

That the job of a favoured minister is at risk and the fall-out is approaching the threshold of No 10 illustrates how completely the emphasis of the Leveson Inquiry has shifted.

Independent

It should be immediately clear that none of the S-Index values are close to approaching the threshold of 0.80 to be considered similar.

Crime Science

The experiment was conducted in the absence of any disturbing background noise at a speech level approaching the threshold of hearing (22 dB(A) re 20 μPa).

Journal of Sound and Vibration

So What! displays music performed at "volumes approaching the threshold of pain".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

These revealed the higher specific resistance in Ts65Dn GCs at voltages approaching the threshold for firing of APs (Fig. 1E), which resulted in a lower rheobase (size of the sustained current required to initiate AP firing, Fig. 1F).

Brain Research

In one generation, we have emerged from unspeakable degradation and approached the threshold of the White House.

The New York Times

But as he approached the threshold of harder steps -- arresting the bomb makers, for example -- he again retreated into inaction.

The New York Times

But as soon as sound-shaping technology approached the threshold of convenience, popular music took the paradigms of electronic composition and ran with them.

The New York Times - Arts

New research, archaeologists and historians say, has broadened understanding of this long overlooked culture, which seemed to have approached the threshold of "civilization" status.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approaching the threshold of", ensure that the threshold is clearly defined or understood by the reader. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "approaching the threshold of" when the situation implies actually crossing the threshold. The phrase specifically denotes nearing, but not yet reaching, a certain limit or boundary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching the threshold of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the act of nearing a specific limit or boundary. It describes the state of getting closer to a defined point. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts, from physical limits to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approaching the threshold of" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that indicates nearing a limit or boundary. Ludwig's analysis shows its primary function is to describe proximity to a critical point, often implying an impending change. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for use in both scientific and news-related writing. Common errors involve using it when the threshold has already been crossed. Alternative phrases include ""reaching the threshold of"" or ""nearing the limit of"", depending on the specific context. Despite its correctness and usability, the phrase's occurrence is relatively uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reaching the threshold of

Focuses on the act of arriving at the threshold rather than nearing it.

approaching the boundary of

Replaces 'threshold' with 'boundary', emphasizing a limit or edge.

approaching the limit of

Substitutes 'threshold' with 'limit', highlighting the maximum extent.

applying the threshold of

Changes the action from nearing to actively using a threshold.

approaching the border of

Emphasizes nearing a demarcated line or edge.

approaching the amount of

Specifies that the threshold relates to a quantifiable quantity.

approaching the brink of

Suggests nearing a critical or dangerous point.

approaching the cusp of

Implies being on the verge of a change or new phase.

approaching the stage of

Indicates nearing a phase or point in a process.

approaching the standard of

Focuses on nearing a specific level of quality or achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "approaching the threshold of" in a sentence?

You can use "approaching the threshold of" to describe nearing a limit or boundary. For example, "The company is "approaching the threshold of" profitability".

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

Alternatives include "reaching the threshold of", "nearing the limit of", or "close to the boundary of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "approaching the threshold of" or "reaching the threshold of"?

"Approaching the threshold of" implies nearing a limit, while ""reaching the threshold of"" means the limit has been attained. The correct choice depends on whether the limit has actually been reached.

What's the difference between "approaching the threshold of" and "towards the threshold of"?

"Approaching the threshold of" suggests a continuous movement closer to a specific point, while "towards the threshold of" simply indicates a direction of movement, without necessarily implying closeness.