hit the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which a certain limit or standard has been met or exceeded. For example, "The company hit the threshold of 100 subscribers in just two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

If cable companies can prove they haven't hit the threshold, they should make their case.

The New York Times

If you hit the threshold, match cards would appear on your Watch whenever your team is playing.

The Guardian

Only 39 percent of companies with at least 50 employees say their plans will not hit the threshold.

The New York Times

As homebuyers switch from the once-rich districts into moderately priced districts, property values hit the threshold in those districts, setting yet another spiral in motion.

The New York Times

The result is that those candidates who don't hit the threshold are in a catch-22 situation if they wish to appear in future debates.

The Guardian

I grew very quickly and, once I hit the threshold where corporation tax might start to be more useful than just income tax, we decided that it would be worth registering the limited company.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Last summer I was hitting the threshold that my knee wasn't letting me get past.

The New York Times

The proportion who have reached that benchmark has flatlined in the past three years, with 43 percent hitting the threshold.

The New York Times

But if they don't do so, the lack of national publicity will likely keep them from hitting the threshold needed to participate in the future.

The Guardian

They also say the investment tax raises the so-called marriage penalty, because two cohabiting singles can earn $400,000 before hitting the threshold.

The New York Times

The time when the voltage trace hits the threshold in the heat image corresponds to the spike time shown in the upper panel as a red line.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about performance metrics or goals, use "hit the threshold" to indicate that a specific target has been achieved. For instance, "The sales team hit the threshold for quarterly bonuses."

Common error

Ensure that you're not using "hit the threshold" when the intended meaning is simply approaching a limit but not actually reaching it. If the limit hasn't been reached yet, use phrases like "approaching the threshold" or "nearing the limit" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the threshold" functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of reaching or exceeding a predetermined limit or standard. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hit the threshold" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the successful attainment of a specific limit or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for a range of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While not extremely common, its usage is consistent and conveys a clear meaning of accomplishment. Remember to avoid imprecise uses and consider alternatives like "reach the limit" or "meet the criterion" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach the limit

Focuses on attaining the maximum permissible extent.

meet the criterion

Emphasizes satisfying a specific requirement or condition.

achieve the benchmark

Highlights accomplishing a predetermined standard of performance.

attain the level

Underscores the process of arriving at a particular stage or degree.

surpass the standard

Implies exceeding an established measure of quality or achievement.

exceed the qualification

Denotes going beyond the minimal requirements.

pass the test

Indicates successful completion of an evaluation or trial.

break the barrier

Suggests overcoming a significant obstacle or boundary.

clear the hurdle

Conveys successfully navigating a challenge or impediment.

get past the requirement

Similar to 'meet the criterion', but could imply a minor effort to surpass a minimal demand.

FAQs

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

You can use "hit the threshold" to describe reaching a specific limit or standard. For example, "The company "hit the threshold" for profitability this quarter."

What's the difference between "hit the threshold" and "reached the threshold"?

While both phrases are similar, "hit the threshold" often implies a more sudden or impactful reaching of the limit. "Reached the threshold" is a more neutral description. You could also consider using "attain the level".

What can I say instead of "hit the threshold"?

You can use alternatives like "reach the limit", "meet the criterion", or "achieve the benchmark" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hitting the threshold" instead of "hit the threshold"?

Yes, "hitting the threshold" is correct, especially when describing an ongoing process or a future event. For example, "The team is close to "hitting the threshold" for the project's success."