closer to the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closer to the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or state that is nearing a limit or boundary, whether physical, metaphorical, or emotional. Example: "As the deadline approached, I felt my stress levels rising, bringing me closer to the threshold of burnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Increasingly excited by the competition, they came closer and closer to the threshold that separates hostile display from overt combat.

The New Yorker

That may not sound like a very long time, but it's much closer to the threshold qubits need to cross in order to perform useful computations.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But over time, Google has issued more Class A stock, and the two co-founders have sold Class B shares, bringing them closer to the threshold of losing control of Google.

The New York Times

But he has told him that America is now closer to the threshold for taking such a step; and that he is not prepared to allow diplomatic negotiations to run beyond this year without a big change in Iran's attitude.

The Economist

A block with a feature disparity closer to the threshold is less discriminative and therefore should have less say in determining its neighbours' classes.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Figs. 5A, B show that the reduction in the firing rate at steady state is greater when the slope of the z nullcline is smaller because the intersections are closer to the threshold.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closer to the threshold" to describe situations where something is nearing a critical point, whether it's a physical limit, an emotional state, or a decision point. For example, "The patient's condition was deteriorating, bringing them closer to the threshold of needing intensive care."

Common error

Avoid using "closer to the threshold" when you simply mean 'near' or 'almost'. The term 'threshold' implies a significant change or consequence once crossed. Using it loosely dilutes its impact and can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closer to the threshold" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a state of approaching a boundary or limit. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and widely usable. Examples in the search results demonstrate its role in specifying the degree or extent to which something is nearing a critical point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closer to the threshold" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of nearing a significant limit or boundary. It is grammatically correct and, according to Ludwig AI, widely usable in English writing. The phrase is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, emphasizing an increasing proximity to a critical point. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications, ensuring that the 'threshold' indeed represents a meaningful change or consequence. Consider using alternative phrases like "nearing the limit" or "approaching the brink" for nuanced meanings. Remember to select the best alternative depending on the nuance you want to give.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing the limit

Focuses on the act of approaching a defined boundary or restriction.

approaching the brink

Emphasizes a precarious or critical stage of reaching a limit.

on the verge of

Highlights the imminence of crossing a threshold or entering a new state.

drawing near the boundary

Focuses on the spatial aspect of approaching a limit or border.

verging on the edge

Suggests a situation that is just short of exceeding a certain limit.

inching towards the limit

Conveys a slow, gradual movement towards a threshold.

advancing toward the threshold

Implies a deliberate and steady movement towards a defined limit.

bordering on the edge

Indicates a state very close to crossing a line or limit.

close to the edge

This alternative is less about the movement and more about the state of being near a limit.

approaching the critical point

This alternative emphasizes that the threshold is an inflection point of sort.

FAQs

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

You can use "closer to the threshold" to describe nearing a critical point, limit, or boundary. For example, "Continued budget cuts are bringing the department "closer to the threshold" of being unable to function effectively."

What's a good alternative for "closer to the threshold"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "nearing the limit", "on the verge of", or "approaching the brink".

Is it correct to say "close to threshold" instead of "closer to the threshold"?

While "close to the threshold" is grammatically correct, "closer to the threshold" implies movement or progression toward that limit. "Close to the threshold" simply describes a current state.

What is the difference between "closer to the threshold" and "past the threshold"?

"Closer to the threshold" indicates nearing a critical point, while "past the threshold" suggests that the limit has already been crossed, and the consequences are now in effect.