below the borderline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "below the borderline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated beneath a defined limit or threshold, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The project's budget was below the borderline, which raised concerns about its feasibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For both analyses we considered children with scores below the borderline cut-off as controls.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Below this borderline the hit/kb ratio rapidly falls more than 100×.

BMC Genomics

While this finding is similar to previous research detailed below, in the setting of multiple comparisons in the current analysis and the borderline p-value (0.043), we are cautious with the significance of this finding.

BMC Nephrology

The borderline case with (n=3) is discussed in the Nodal analysis below.

Advances in Difference Equations

As with borderline personality disorder (discussed below), the features of antisocial personality disorder tend to fade in middle age, but there remains a high risk of suicide, accidental death, drug or alcohol abuse, and a tendency toward interpersonal problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have now reached the borderline".

The New Yorker

Gujarat hovers on the borderline at 0.96.

The New York Times

Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada could fall on the borderline.

The New York Times

The borderline ugly shoe was in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pretty close to the borderline of incivility!

The New York Times - Books

(The borderline for high blood pressure is 140 over 95).

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "below the borderline", ensure that the context clearly defines what the 'borderline' represents. This could be a numerical value, a diagnostic threshold, or a conceptual limit. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "below the borderline" without clearly establishing what the borderline is. For example, instead of saying "performance was below the borderline", specify "performance on the test was below the borderline score of 70".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the borderline" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state or condition that is less than a defined limit or threshold. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English, denoting that something is situated beneath a defined limit.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "below the borderline" is a prepositional phrase used to denote that something falls under a defined limit or threshold. It's grammatically correct and versatile, finding applications across various domains, notably in science, news, and encyclopedic content. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; always specify what the 'borderline' represents. Alternatives such as "under the limit" or "beneath the threshold" may be used to provide similar nuance. While the phrase exhibits a neutral to formal tone, its frequency and applicability render it a valuable addition to one's communicative toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the limit

Emphasizes the state of being less than a specific limit or boundary, focusing on quantity or measurement.

beneath the threshold

Highlights being lower than a specific threshold, often in terms of acceptability or detection.

below the cutoff

Focuses on failing to meet a minimum requirement or standard, suggesting a clear distinction.

less than the margin

Implies being smaller than the specified margin, referring to an allowable amount or degree.

under the boundary

Highlights being situated beneath or outside the accepted limit.

outside the pale

Suggests something unacceptable or beyond the limits of what is considered appropriate.

falling short of the standard

Emphasizes the failure to reach a required level of quality or performance.

not up to par

Indicates a deficiency in quality or performance compared to expectations.

subceeding the benchmark

A more formal way of stating that something is less than the standard value.

inferior to the criterion

Indicates a lack of quality or degree when compared to a specific criterion or set of criteria.

FAQs

How can I use "below the borderline" in a sentence?

You can use "below the borderline" to indicate a level or state that is less than a specific limit or threshold. For example: "The patient's test results were below the borderline for concern", or "The project's funding fell below the borderline needed for completion".

What are some alternatives to saying "below the borderline"?

Some alternatives include "under the limit", "beneath the threshold", or "below the cutoff". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "below the borderline" or "under the borderline"?

Both "below the borderline" and "under the borderline" are grammatically correct, but "below the borderline" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Under" can sometimes imply direct physical placement, which is usually not the intended meaning.

How does "below the borderline" differ from "at the borderline"?

"Below the borderline" means falling short of or not meeting a particular limit or standard. "At the borderline" implies being very close to that limit, either just above or just below, and often suggests uncertainty or a need for careful evaluation.