low threshold for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low threshold for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a person or system is easily affected by or responsive to something, often in a negative context. Example: "She has a low threshold for stress, which makes it difficult for her to handle high-pressure situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We should use a low threshold for treating women aggressively".

The New York Times

The reason is California's low threshold for candidacy.

The New York Times

Isn't being "kept alive" a rather low threshold for outcomes?

The Washington Post

Chalk it up to my low threshold for cacophony.

Stanford University

Men generally have a low threshold for Fashion.

The New York Times

"I did think," I admit, "that fog constitutes quite a low threshold for miracles".

The Guardian - Music

A stronger argument for more state generosity is the disincentive to saving that the low threshold for assets presents.

The Guardian

If you have a low threshold for conflict, you may want an architect to run interference with the contractor.

The New York Times

But it's against a very low threshold for many workers," said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Grant Thornton.

The Washington Post

Such trees have a low threshold for competition but are very tolerant of extremes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has never been used, but the low threshold for doing so is concerning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific contexts, employ "a low threshold for" to describe a system or process that responds readily to minimal stimuli, which ensures precise control or immediate reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "a low threshold for" when you actually mean "a low limit for". "Threshold" refers to the point at which an effect begins to occur, whereas "limit" refers to a maximum allowable quantity or degree. Ensure the context truly implies initiation rather than limitation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low threshold for" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a heightened sensitivity or ease of triggering a particular response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a condition where minimal stimulus can initiate a reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "low threshold for" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe a heightened sensitivity or ease of triggering a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. It is crucial to distinguish "low threshold for" from related phrases such as "low limit for", focusing on initiation rather than limitation. When writing, remember to emphasize early intervention, especially in medical contexts, and be mindful of the potential for confusion with similar terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal requirement for

Emphasizes the minimum level needed for something to occur, shifting focus from sensitivity to necessity.

easy to trigger

Focuses on the ease with which something can be activated or initiated, rather than the level at which it occurs.

highly susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or sensitivity to a particular influence or condition, differing in its directness.

readily influenced by

Indicates a strong responsiveness to external factors, changing the focus from a specific point to general responsiveness.

sensitive to

Indicates a direct and general responsiveness, omitting the concept of a specific activating point or level.

low tolerance of

Focuses on the ability to endure or withstand something, contrasting with the activation or triggering implied by the original phrase.

easily provoked by

Centers on the act of causing a reaction, changing the focus from inherent sensitivity to external instigation.

small capacity for

Highlights the limited ability to handle or contain something, which alters the focus from the ease of initiation to the limit of endurance.

low barrier to

Emphasizes the lack of obstacles for something to occur, changing the perspective from sensitivity to accessibility.

minimal resistance to

Indicates very little opposition or defense against something, shifting the focus from activation to defenselessness.

FAQs

How can I use "low threshold for" in a sentence?

The phrase "low threshold for" indicates a state where something is easily triggered or affected. For example, "The doctor has a "low threshold for" prescribing antibiotics" means they prescribe them readily.

What's a good alternative to "low threshold for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "easily triggered", "highly susceptible to", or "sensitive to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "low tolerance for" or "low threshold for"?

While both phrases imply sensitivity, "low threshold for" often refers to a point of activation, whereas "low tolerance for" implies an inability to endure something. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "low threshold for" in a medical context?

In medical contexts, "low threshold for" is used to emphasize the importance of early intervention or further investigation when certain symptoms or risk factors are present. For example, a doctor might have a ""low threshold for" ordering blood tests" if a patient presents with fatigue and unexplained weight loss.