as a threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a starting point or a minimum requirement for something, often in discussions about limits or conditions. Example: "We need to establish a clear metric as a threshold for evaluating the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, however, there is greater recognition of 1.5C as a threshold for dangerous climate change.

The Guardian

The only discernible remnant of our family house was a heavy stone that once served as a threshold.

The New Yorker

The official did not list knowing the person's name as a threshold for marking them for execution.

The Guardian

It follows that acts as a threshold.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

γ > 0 serves as a threshold parameter.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

So you should think of customer satisfaction as a threshold".

Forbes

So we consider R̃ as a threshold of model (25).

Advances in Difference Equations

Hence, 0.05% NaCl can be considered as a threshold level of chloride ions in SPS.

Electrochimica Acta

On the understanding in discussion, fit operates as a threshold constraint on eligibility of interpretations.

SEP

They generally understand moral status as a threshold concept and a range concept.

SEP

As a threshold matter, no one is proposing letting boys into girls' bathrooms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a threshold", ensure that the context clearly defines what happens when the threshold is met or exceeded. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as a threshold" without specifying the consequences or actions associated with reaching that threshold. Simply stating a threshold without context can leave the reader wondering about its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a threshold" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, specifying a condition, limit, or starting point for something. It's commonly used to establish criteria or boundaries in various contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a threshold" is a versatile phrase used to define a limit or condition that triggers a specific outcome. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and most commonly used in scientific and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains the significance of the threshold being set. Given its frequent use and clear meaning, mastering "as a threshold" will enhance clarity and precision in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As a benchmark

Focuses on using a standard for comparison, differing slightly from a strict cutoff.

As a criterion

Emphasizes the evaluative aspect, highlighting its use as a basis for judgment.

As a standard

Highlights the role as an established measure, implying a degree of acceptance or officialdom.

As a prerequisite

Stresses a necessary condition that must be met beforehand.

As a qualification

Implies a condition that makes something eligible or suitable.

As a dividing line

Highlights the separation it creates between categories or options.

As a cutoff

Emphasizes the action of stopping or limiting something at a specific point.

As a minimum

Highlights the lowest acceptable level or quantity.

Serving as a gateway

Implies a point of entry or access, rather than just a limit.

Functioning as a checkpoint

Stresses the role of verification or control at a specific stage.

FAQs

How is "as a threshold" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "as a threshold" often defines a minimum value or criterion for significance, such as "A p-value of 0.05 was used "as a threshold" for statistical significance".

What are some alternatives to using "as a threshold"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as a benchmark", "as a criterion", or "as a standard" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "as a threshold" in formal business communication?

Yes, "as a threshold" is suitable for formal business communication when setting a clear limit or condition. For instance, "Customer satisfaction serves "as a threshold" for bonus eligibility".

What is the difference between "as a threshold" and "as a limit"?

"As a threshold" typically refers to a point that must be crossed to trigger a change or action, while "as a limit" indicates a maximum or boundary that should not be exceeded. The former implies initiation, the latter restriction.