exceed a certain threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceed a certain threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate surpassing a specific limit or level, often in quantitative or qualitative assessments. Example: "The project's success will be measured by whether it can exceed a certain threshold of user engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Those whose total points exceed a certain threshold would be admitted.

The New York Times

Once absolute incomes exceed a certain threshold, lower wages are easily tolerated when they don't entail relative disadvantage.

The New York Times

Confusingly, the annual tax return does not supersede an existing monthly requirement to report and pay tax on non-taxed income if total earnings exceed a certain threshold.

The Economist

Dr. Hartwig said that under the new law, federal contributions for claims resulting from terrorism occur only after the costs of claims relating to terrorism exceed a certain threshold.

The New York Times

As opposed to the Paris convention, which did not allow the cap on the liability of the operator to exceed a certain threshold, the Vienna convention allowed countries to choose this cap, but continued to indemnify suppliers.

The New York Times

According to New York University's Brennan Center for Justice and Justice at Stake Campaign, so far, courts in nine states — Arizona, California, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington State — have made recusal mandatory when contributions by a party or attorney exceed a certain threshold amount or create a question about the judge's impartiality.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

If the number exceeds a certain threshold, the message is rejected as spam.

The New York Times

This condition is characterized by diminution in sensibility as well as severe pain when any stimulus exceeds a certain threshold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They found that the body did not perceive or react to pain until the stimuli that passed through the gate control system exceeded a certain threshold.

The New York Times

The 2003 test was only supposed to assess whether the number of players using performance-enhancing drugs exceeded a certain threshold.

The New York Times

To encourage production, Congress had passed a law in 1995 suspending royalties on deep-water tracts unless oil prices exceeded a certain threshold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceed a certain threshold", ensure the context clearly defines what the threshold represents, whether it's a numerical value, a level of performance, or a specific condition.

Common error

Avoid using "exceed a certain threshold" without specifying the threshold's nature or relevance. Provide context to make the statement meaningful and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceed a certain threshold" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a specific limit or boundary has been surpassed. It introduces a condition or qualification based on surpassing a particular value or level, as Ludwig AI shows in its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceed a certain threshold" is a versatile expression used to denote surpassing a specified limit or level. Grammatically correct and commonly employed, it finds frequent application in scientific, news, and business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression serves to establish conditions or trigger points contingent upon surpassing a defined value. While maintaining a neutral register, it's crucial to provide adequate context to avoid ambiguity, ensuring clarity regarding the threshold's nature and relevance. Alternatives include "surpass a specific limit" and "go beyond a defined level", each carrying nuanced implications. Understanding these aspects allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Surpass a specific limit

Changes the verb to "surpass" and uses "specific limit" instead of "certain threshold", maintaining the core meaning.

Top a specified amount

Replaces "exceed" with "top" and uses "specified amount" for clarity on a quantitative limit.

Go beyond a defined level

Replaces "exceed" with "go beyond" and "certain threshold" with "defined level", offering a more descriptive alternative.

Cross a predetermined limit

Uses "cross" instead of "exceed" and "predetermined limit" in place of "certain threshold", suggesting a boundary being passed.

Outstrip a set value

Employs "outstrip" to mean exceeding and "set value" for "certain threshold", creating a more formal tone.

Rise above a benchmark

Substitutes "exceed" with "rise above" and "certain threshold" with "benchmark", indicating surpassing a standard.

Reach a critical point

Alters the phrase to focus on reaching a crucial level, implying a significant change or consequence.

Break a defined barrier

Uses "break" and "defined barrier" to suggest overcoming an obstacle or limit.

Exceed a safety margin

Specifies that the threshold being exceeded is a "safety margin", providing a specific context.

Overcome a critical mass

Changes the context to surpassing a required quantity for a reaction or event to occur.

FAQs

What does "exceed a certain threshold" mean?

The phrase "exceed a certain threshold" means to surpass a specific limit or level. This limit can be quantitative, such as a numerical value, or qualitative, such as a level of performance or a specific condition.

How can I use "exceed a certain threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "exceed a certain threshold" to indicate when something surpasses a predefined limit. For example, "Federal contributions for claims resulting from terrorism occur only after the costs of claims relating to terrorism "exceed a certain threshold"."

What are some alternatives to "exceed a certain threshold"?

Some alternatives to "exceed a certain threshold" include "surpass a specific limit", "go beyond a defined level", or "cross a predetermined limit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "exceed a certain threshold" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "exceed a certain threshold" when you want to express that something has surpassed a specific limit or level. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be sure to define the threshold for clarity.