at the threshold of

USAGE SUMMARY

'at the threshold of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to convey that someone or something is approaching a significant moment, milestone, or point. For example, "The team is at the threshold of making history with the upcoming championships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He stripped at the threshold of his mother's apartment door.

The New York Times - Magazine

He began the year at the threshold of immortality and suddenly a mountain appeared.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're standing at the threshold of a moment of change and optimism.

The Guardian

"This is a norm that cannot be accepted internationally at the threshold of the 21st century.

The New York Times

A white-robed man sits at the threshold of the Love-Peace-Happiness Cottage.

The New Yorker

People flowed around me. Miss Lowe stood at the threshold of the teachers' lounge.

The New Yorker

We have arrived at the threshold of restriction that drives people overseas.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We could be at the threshold of something very big," Mr. Shamoon added.

The New York Times

"He's just at the threshold of his career, but his voice is there," he said.

The Guardian - Books

We may be at the threshold of discovery of a new and effective means of prevention.

The New York Times

In 1995, Father Carter found himself at the threshold of another personal triumph.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the threshold of" to create a sense of anticipation or importance around an event, discovery, or change. For example, "We are at the threshold of a new era in space exploration."

Common error

Avoid using "at the threshold of" when a simpler preposition like "near" or "approaching" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the threshold of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or clause to indicate a state of being on the cusp or verge of something significant. It sets the scene for an impending event, discovery, or change as shown in the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the threshold of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of being on the verge or cusp of something significant. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, academia, and scientific writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize the importance of an approaching event and to avoid overuse in simple statements, as also suggested by Ludwig. Consider related phrases like "on the verge of" or "approaching" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of

Indicates a state of being very close to experiencing something.

on the brink of

Emphasizes the imminence and potential danger or excitement of what's approaching.

at the cusp of

Highlights being at a turning point or boundary between two states.

at the gateway to

Implies an entrance or access point to a new stage or opportunity.

approaching

A more general term indicating nearness in time or space.

at the dawn of

Suggests the beginning or initial stage of something new.

nearing

Similar to approaching but may imply a gradual coming closer.

entering into

Focuses on the act of beginning or getting involved in something.

on the horizon

Implies that something is coming into view or becoming apparent.

in sight of

Indicates that something is visible or attainable in the near future.

FAQs

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

Use "at the threshold of" to indicate that something is on the verge of happening or beginning. For instance, "The company is "on the verge of" a major breakthrough" or "We stand "on the brink of" a new discovery".

What are some alternatives to using "at the threshold of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "approaching", "nearing", ""on the verge of"", or ""on the brink of"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "at the threshold of" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "at the threshold of" is more suited for formal writing or when you want to emphasize the significance of an upcoming event. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "at the threshold of" and ""on the verge of""?

Both phrases suggest that something is about to happen. "At the threshold of" can sometimes imply a physical or metaphorical entrance, while ""on the verge of"" often emphasizes the imminence of the event.