crossed the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossed the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to reference crossing a physical doorway or figuratively crossing an important boundary in a person's life. For example: "When she crossed the threshold into high school, she knew nothing would ever be the same again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The leaks crossed the threshold".

The New York Times

"We've crossed the threshold so we're readable".

The New York Times - Tech

As the first three crossed the threshold, the nausea built.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ms. Tomer, of course, had crossed the threshold long ago.

The New York Times

Even Bentley crossed the threshold, with the 202-m.p.h.

The New York Times

So what would it mean if we crossed the threshold to digital insecurity?

University of California, Berkeley

"We've crossed the threshold from an unstable democracy to a consolidated one".

The New York Times

In case you are wondering, New Jersey does have shame, and this season crossed the threshold.

The New York Times

No player had crossed the threshold since Aaron did it in April 1971.

The New York Times - Sports

That's when you've crossed the threshold of being on the right track.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He formally crossed the threshold today of having more of the Democratic officials than Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crossed the threshold" to denote a significant change or transition, whether it's entering a physical space or reaching a new stage in a process.

Common error

Avoid using "crossed the threshold" when simply describing movement. This phrase implies a more meaningful transition than just walking through a door.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossed the threshold" functions as a verbal phrase often used metaphorically to describe entering a new phase or stage, as supported by Ludwig examples. It suggests a transition or the surpassing of a boundary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crossed the threshold" is a versatile expression that denotes a transition or significant change, often carrying metaphorical weight beyond simply entering a physical space. With a neutral register suitable for varied contexts, as noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates the importance of a moment or the commencement of a new stage. Common in news and media, and present in scientific and academic writing, this phrase serves as a useful tool for signaling movement beyond a defined point, whether literal or figurative. Remember to use it when you really want to highlight that an important line has been crossed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Passed the boundary

Focuses on exceeding a defined limit or border, emphasizing the act of surpassing a restriction.

Reached a milestone

Highlights the achievement of a significant point in a process or journey, emphasizing accomplishment.

Entered a new phase

Indicates the beginning of a distinct period or stage, focusing on the transition into something different.

Surmounted the obstacle

Emphasizes overcoming a challenge or difficulty, suggesting a successful navigation of a barrier.

Achieved a breakthrough

Highlights a significant advancement or discovery, focusing on the positive outcome of surpassing a limit.

Exceeded expectations

Indicates surpassing anticipated levels or performance, focusing on surpassing a standard.

Transgressed the limit

Suggests going beyond an established boundary, often implying a violation or overstepping.

Arrived at the juncture

Highlights reaching a critical point or decision-making stage, emphasizing the importance of the moment.

Overstepped the mark

Indicates going too far or exceeding what is acceptable, focusing on exceeding a limit of propriety.

Made the transition

Focuses on the process of moving from one state or condition to another, emphasizing the change itself.

FAQs

How can I use "crossed the threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "crossed the threshold" to describe entering a physical space or, more figuratively, reaching a significant point or transition. For example: "She crossed the threshold of the old house" or "He crossed the threshold of adulthood".

What's a good alternative to "crossed the threshold"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "passed the boundary", "reached a milestone", or "entered a new phase".

What does it mean to say someone has "crossed the threshold"?

To say someone has "crossed the threshold" implies they have moved beyond a particular point or stage, often suggesting a significant change or transition in their life or situation.

Is "crossed the threshold" a formal or informal expression?

"Crossed the threshold" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its impact depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.