lower hurdle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower hurdle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is easier to achieve or overcome. For example, "She decided to switch departments because it offered a lower hurdle to her career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The question for the committee Tuesday was whether the evidence the company supplied met even the lower hurdle for accelerated approval.

The New York Times

Companies that are successful in fueling growth lower hurdle rates and relax other constraints that reflect a bygone era of scarce capital.

Harvard Business Review

The prosecutors offered a lower hurdle: that Mr Gupta "anticipated some kind of benefit, directly or indirectly, however modest, from providing Rajaratnam with the inside information".

The Economist

This is a much vaguer, and lower, hurdle than the "substantial harm" proposed for most disputed cases in the white paper.

The Economist

It should be noted that Victorian voters who would sooner not have their votes corralled by back-room preference negotiators have a much lower hurdle to clear than they do at a federal election.

The Guardian

But Dennis Leibowitz, who follows the media for Credit Suisse First Boston, pointed out that if Time Warner was now reducing its cash-flow projections for the current year, a 30percentt gain next year would represent a lower hurdle for the company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But there are still several, though lower hurdles ahead for the estimated $355 million project.

The New York Times

It is also the time to drive emerging technology and game-changers where advances in fundamental science & engineering are needed to lower hurdles and pave the way for next generation technologies.

Catalysis Today

Mr. Almunia had met last year privately with the chief executives of Europe's largest operators — Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica, France Télécom and others — who urged him to set lower hurdles to takeovers.

The New York Times - Tech

Deprived of urgency in attracting inflows, many countries spent much of that time doing very little to lower hurdles to investment, cut back on red tape or reduce the dominance of state-owned businesses, analysts have long complained.

The New York Times

He wants to lower hurdles for initiating referendums, to bring people into the early stages of project planning and to strengthen the legislature, which under the CDU was subservient to the executive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lower hurdle", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made easier or more accessible. For example, "The company aimed to lower the hurdle for new customers by simplifying the signup process."

Common error

Avoid using "lower hurdle" without specifying what the hurdle is. Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying, "They lowered the hurdle", specify, "They lowered the hurdle for entry into the competition by reducing the application fee."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower hurdle" functions as a modifier combined with a noun. It signifies the act of reducing difficulty, requirements, or obstacles to make something more accessible or achievable. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lower hurdle" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of making something easier to achieve by reducing difficulties, requirements, or obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "lower hurdle" isn't as common as other similar phrases, it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific publications. When using "lower hurdle", ensure the context is clear, specifying what obstacle is being reduced. Consider alternatives like "easier threshold" or "reduced barrier" for varied expression. Understanding the nuances of "lower hurdle" helps writers communicate more effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier threshold

Emphasizes the reduced level or standard required to achieve a goal.

reduced barrier

Highlights the decrease in obstacles or impediments.

less stringent requirement

Focuses on the relaxed or lenient nature of the demands.

more accessible pathway

Suggests an easier route or method to reach a desired outcome.

simplified process

Indicates a streamlining or uncomplicating of steps.

easier to overcome

Highlights that something is not as hard to deal with.

relaxed criteria

Specifies that the standards are less strict or demanding.

more lenient conditions

Refers to less severe or strict circumstances.

easier benchmark

Implies a more attainable standard for comparison.

more attainable goal

Focuses on a target that is easier to reach.

FAQs

How can I use "lower hurdle" in a sentence?

You can use "lower hurdle" to describe making something easier to achieve. For example, "The new policy aims to "lower the hurdle" for small businesses to access funding."

What are some alternatives to "lower hurdle"?

Alternatives to "lower hurdle" include "easier threshold", "reduced barrier", or "less stringent requirement" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lower the hurdle" or "reduce the difficulty"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "lower the hurdle" often implies a specific obstacle or requirement that has been made easier to overcome. "Reduce the difficulty" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to "lower the hurdle" in a business context?

In business, "lower the hurdle" often means making it easier for customers to buy products or services, or for businesses to enter a market. This can involve reducing costs, simplifying processes, or relaxing requirements.