below the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "below the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a certain amount, usually referring to an amount that is lower than the accepted or expected value. For example, "The number of votes required to pass the measure was 50, but the bill fell below the threshold and failed to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At the moment I'm below the threshold".

The Guardian

The AfD was tanatalisingly close but below the threshold.

The Guardian

The Yankees are currently about $20 million below the threshold.

The New York Times - Sports

Below the threshold, generating reliable answers is impossible.

The New York Times

Her income is just below the threshold as is her husband's, so they will escape.

The Guardian

The district keeps the taxes on the property base below the threshold.

The New York Times

That puts it just below the threshold at which the tax inversion could be blocked.

The Guardian - Business

Employers, she said, would still be able to find meaningful coverage below the threshold.

The New York Times - Health

That million put Karzai below the threshold for avoiding a run-off.

The New Yorker

That would be substantially below the threshold of 90% or more needed for a weapon.

The Guardian

The spot pulsates, producing long-distance infrasonic sounds, below the threshold of human hearing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "below the threshold", clearly specify what the threshold is to avoid ambiguity. For example, "below the threshold of detection".

Common error

Avoid using "below the threshold" without specifying the threshold. Always provide context or a clear reference point so the reader understands the limit being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "below the threshold" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a state or condition that is less than a specified limit or standard. It describes the extent to which something fails to reach a defined boundary. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "below the threshold" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is less than a specific limit. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields like science, news, and academia make it a valuable tool for precise communication. To ensure clarity, always specify the threshold being referenced. Alternative phrases such as "under the limit" or "less than the required amount" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid vagueness and provide context when using this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the limit

This alternative replaces "threshold" with "limit", focusing on the boundary not being exceeded.

less than the required amount

This alternative specifies that the amount is not sufficient to meet a requirement.

beneath the acceptable level

This phrase emphasizes that the level is not good enough to be considered acceptable.

lower than the cutoff point

This version indicates that the value is under a defined cutoff.

short of the minimum

This alternative highlights the failure to reach the minimum requirement.

under the standard

This indicates that a certain standard has not been met.

not exceeding the boundary

This phrase emphasizes the non-violation of a specified boundary.

within the permissible range

This alternative suggests the value falls inside a defined range, implying it's below the upper threshold.

under the radar

This idiom suggests being unnoticed or undetected, often because the value is low enough to avoid attention.

not hitting the benchmark

This emphasizes that the target benchmark has not been achieved.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "below the threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "below the threshold" to indicate that something is less than a certain limit or value. For example, "The concentration of the chemical was "below the threshold" for toxicity".

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

Alternatives to "below the threshold" include phrases like "under the limit", "less than the required amount", or "beneath the acceptable level" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "below the threshold" in formal writing?

Yes, "below the threshold" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or business contexts. However, ensure the meaning is clear and precise for the intended audience.

What's the difference between "below the threshold" and "below the limit"?

While similar, "below the threshold" often implies a more specific or critical boundary than "below the limit". A threshold might be a regulatory or safety level, whereas a limit could be a more general constraint.