close to the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to the threshold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is nearly reaching a limit. For example, "John is getting close to the threshold of success in his field of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vibration time significantly impact the tensile strength although its significance level is close to the threshold.

Journal of Manufacturing Processes

And, parts of South Asia and coastal areas throughout the subtropics have been getting perilously close to the threshold.

Columbia University

But Baskerville-Emin is better at calculating accumulation on days where temperatures are close to the threshold.

Cornell University

He said the world had now been hovering close to the threshold of "dangerous" warming for two months, something not seen before.

The Guardian

This observation suggests that this 1-hour amplitude is close to the threshold of sensitivity below which females do not perceive photoperiod variations.

Aquaculture

By contrast, families where both parents earn close to the threshold could retain the benefit on joint earnings of over £80,000.

The Economist

To study the program's effect, the researchers compared teachers whose evaluation scores were very close to the threshold for being considered a high performer or a low performer.

The New York Times

If you're looking at properties valued close to the threshold, remember that you will make a significant saving by buying something in the lower tax category.

Independent

The soloist in the Rachmaninoff was Tzimon Barto, who -- especially in the first movement -- tended to start phrases slowly and then get slower while sinking close to the threshold of audibility.

The New York Times - Arts

In fact, it reported that none of the vote turnouts for the three main public-sector unions involved – the GMB, Unison and Unite – came even close to the threshold.

The Guardian

As a result, some public school systems in the state are coming dangerously close to the threshold when measles outbreaks can be expected, and a third of students at some private schools are unvaccinated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to the threshold", ensure the context clearly defines what the threshold represents, whether it's a physical limit, a statistical value, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "close to the threshold" without specifying what the threshold is. For example, instead of saying "The temperature is close to the threshold", specify "The temperature is close to the threshold for triggering the alarm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the threshold" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes the state of being near a specific limit, boundary, or critical value. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is a grammatically correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to the threshold" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe nearing a limit or boundary. As Ludwig AI points out, it's versatile, appearing in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial: always define what the "threshold" represents to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "nearing the limit" or "approaching the boundary" can be used for variety, but "close to the threshold" remains a frequently used and easily understood choice. Therefore, ensure that the meaning of the threshold is clearly defined in order to be easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing the limit

Focuses on approaching a maximum or final point.

approaching the boundary

Emphasizes the act of getting closer to a defined limit or border.

on the verge of

Suggests an imminent transition or change, often with a sense of anticipation or risk.

bordering on

Implies a state that is just short of reaching a particular condition or quality.

verging on

Similar to 'bordering on', but can also imply a negative or undesirable characteristic.

almost reaching

Highlights the act of nearly achieving a specific level or quantity.

in proximity to the limit

A more formal way of expressing nearness to a limit.

adjacent to the border

Emphasizes physical closeness to a boundary, can be used metaphorically.

drawing near to the limit

A more descriptive and emphatic way of saying 'nearing the limit'.

coming up to the edge

Uses the image of an edge to represent the threshold, suggesting a point of potential change or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "close to the threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "close to the threshold" to indicate that something is nearly reaching a limit or boundary. For example, "The patient's blood pressure is "close to the threshold" for requiring medication".

What are some alternatives to "close to the threshold"?

Alternatives include "nearing the limit", "approaching the boundary", or "on the verge of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "near the threshold" or "close to the threshold"?

Both "near the threshold" and "close to the threshold" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context, with ""close to the threshold"" being slightly more common.

What does it mean when something is "close to the threshold" in a scientific context?

In science, ""close to the threshold"" usually indicates that a measurement or value is nearing the point at which a particular effect or phenomenon will occur. For example, a chemical concentration might be close to the threshold for triggering a reaction.