at their doorstep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at their doorstep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very close or readily available to someone, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "With the new delivery service, fresh groceries are now available at their doorstep every morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now, however, many of the farmers believe the problem is at their doorstep.

The New York Times

Finally the army arrives at their doorstep and the children are sent away.

The Guardian - Books

"The end user has the generator capacity right at their doorstep, so there's no relying on transmission and distribution lines.

The New York Times - Tech

Now it is clear that the crisis, which was not of their making, is at their doorstep.

The Guardian - Opinion

But now many believe the problem is at their doorstep, and some farmers have started patrolling their land as crime rises.

The New York Times

Here, from listings as endlessly varied and appealing as the UK's shoreline, The Good Hotel Guide picks its top 10 hotels with the sea at their doorstep.

Independent

And Gibraltarians have all the benefits of modern Spain at their doorstep, from good food and pleasant beaches to fancy motorways.

The Economist

For residents, the convenience of arriving directly at their doorstep — handy when groceries or luggage are involved — would be a minor selling point.

The New York Times

This carefully constructed silence is shattered by the arrival of Buzz Drumer, a striking white businessman with combed-back hair and polished wingtips, at their doorstep.

The New York Times - Books

When Mohamed's mother put a wreath on her husband's grave, Uday's men showed up at their doorstep and took his mother away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Customers also could dispatch personal drones to collect parcels from delivery drones instead of leaving the package unguarded at their doorstep.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at their doorstep" to emphasize the immediate impact or proximity of a situation, problem, or opportunity. It creates a sense of urgency or direct relevance.

Common error

While versatile, "at their doorstep" can sound less formal. In highly professional writing, consider alternatives like "immediately affecting them" or "in close proximity" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at their doorstep" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the location or immediacy of something, emphasizing its closeness or direct impact. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at their doorstep" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to emphasize the proximity or immediacy of something. As Ludwig confirms, its versatile usage spans from news and media to formal business contexts, although it leans towards a neutral register. While suitable for many situations, writers should consider more formal alternatives in highly professional or scientific writing. The analysis reveals that it effectively conveys a sense of urgency and relevance, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on their immediate horizon

Focuses on the proximity and impending nature of something, similar to something arriving soon.

in their vicinity

Emphasizes the nearness of something, often a place or event, to a group of people.

close at hand

Highlights the ready availability and accessibility of something.

within easy reach

Stresses the ease and convenience of accessing something.

just around the corner

Indicates that something is very near in terms of distance or time.

right next door

Implies something is geographically very close.

impacting them directly

Shifts focus to the direct effect or influence on someone or a group.

bearing down on them

Emphasizes the threatening or overwhelming nature of something approaching.

confronting them now

Stresses the immediacy and urgency of a situation.

within their grasp

Implies that something is achievable or obtainable with minimal effort.

FAQs

How can I use "at their doorstep" in a sentence?

You can use "at their doorstep" to describe something that is very close or readily available. For example, "With online shopping, convenience is right "at their doorstep"".

What's a similar phrase to "at their doorstep"?

Similar phrases include "close at hand", "within easy reach", or "just around the corner", depending on the context.

Is "at their doorstep" appropriate for formal writing?

While commonly used, "at their doorstep" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives such as "in close proximity" or "immediately affecting them".

What does it mean when a problem is "at their doorstep"?

It means the problem is immediately present and requires their direct attention or action. It signifies that the issue is no longer distant or theoretical, but rather an immediate concern.