be a critical threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a critical threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a significant point or level that must be reached or exceeded for a particular outcome to occur. Example: "In the study, we found that the population growth rate must be a critical threshold for the ecosystem to remain stable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There may be a critical threshold of coursework that must be achieved to significantly impact levels of understanding or acceptance of evolution and in particular, macroevolution.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The process continued until the slope was about 10o, which the researchers suspect might be a critical threshold for a flood to end, they report in a study in press in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences.

Science Magazine

There did not seem to be a critical threshold where connection was lost, and JR Kyushu therefore considered any tephra on the track sufficient to cancel services and begin cleaning operations.

Earth, Planets and Space

Based on data drawn from in-depth interviews and field surveys in 26 southeast Michigan exurban households, we conclude that an approximately 1-acre (0.45 ha) size may be a critical threshold for certain behaviors, such as leaving a portion of an exurban parcel in forest or old field or retaining leaf litter on the property.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Therefore, 1 Gy radioactive exposure seemed to be a critical threshold dosage.

BioMed Research International

A serum Catot/Caion ratio ≥2.5 is assumed to be a critical threshold for the prediction of citrate accumulation [ 11].

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The base rate of infection here is already higher than the 1% of the population that epidemiologists say is a critical threshold.

The Guardian

There was a critical threshold value of oxygen concentration, 30%, for onset of CNOs synthesis.

Carbon

This number is a critical threshold for an appropriate refinement and structural meaningful optimization, to achieve the best possible fit between observed experimental structure factors (e.g. electron densities) and the chosen target function.

Journal of Cheminformatics

There is a critical threshold at which organ dysfunction from elevations in IAP occurs.

Annals of Intensive Care

There was a critical threshold for the distance between B-scans in the three-dimensional cube scan for detection of pathology.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a critical threshold", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes exceeding or falling below the threshold. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be a critical threshold" in contexts where the boundary is not genuinely crucial or impactful. Overusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a critical threshold" functions primarily as a predicate nominative, defining or characterizing a particular value, level, or point as essential for causing a significant change or effect. As Ludwig points out, many examples across different domains highlight its use in identifying crucial boundaries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be a critical threshold" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a crucial point or limit that triggers significant changes. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it's frequently employed in scientific and news contexts to highlight important boundaries or tipping points. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the designated threshold is genuinely critical to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "represent a crucial boundary" or "act as a key benchmark" can be used to add variety to your writing. Overall, "be a critical threshold" serves as a powerful tool for emphasizing the importance of specific limits in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent a crucial boundary

Changes the verb and adjective while maintaining the core concept of a significant limit.

act as a key benchmark

Replaces "critical threshold" with synonyms that imply a standard for measurement or comparison.

serve as a vital limit

Substitutes "critical" and "threshold" with alternatives emphasizing importance and restriction.

constitute a defining level

Emphasizes the role of the threshold in determining or characterizing a situation.

mark a turning point

Focuses on the threshold as a moment of significant change or transition.

reach a make-or-break point

Implies that exceeding the threshold will result in success or failure.

hit a crucial juncture

Uses "juncture" to signify a critical point in time or a series of events.

establish a vital parameter

Highlights the role of setting a threshold for an essential factor.

define a key tipping point

Emphasizes a point where small changes can produce large, irreversible effects.

represent a pivotal moment

Focuses on the importance of the moment when the threshold is reached.

FAQs

How can I use "be a critical threshold" in a sentence?

Use "be a critical threshold" when describing a point that, if crossed, will produce a significant change. For instance, "The 1% infection rate is "a critical threshold" for epidemiologists."

What are some alternatives to "be a critical threshold"?

You can use alternatives like "represent a crucial boundary", "act as a key benchmark", or "serve as a vital limit" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "critical threshold" or "important threshold"?

"Critical threshold" implies a point beyond which significant changes occur, often with serious consequences. "Important threshold" simply suggests a level of importance. The better choice depends on the context.

What makes a threshold "critical" rather than just significant?

A "critical threshold" signifies a turning point where exceeding it leads to qualitatively different outcomes or consequences, often irreversible ones. It's more than just significant; it's transformative.