lower the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"lower the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a limit that is being lowered, or when talking about a situation where a certain barrier is being reduced or made easier to pass through. For example: "We told our employees that we were going to lower the threshold for getting a bonus based on their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Couldn't we lower the threshold?

The Economist

Weapons at sea could lower the threshold.

The Economist

The lower the threshold, tho greater is the benefit.

Nature

The guidelines lower the threshold for a diagnosis of high blood pressure to 130/90.

Columbia University

That will lower the threshold of rainfall needed to create flash flood conditions.

The Washington Post

"We also pushed for the headphone jack because we wanted to lower the threshold to multiplayer gaming," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

The new standards lower the threshold for a five-year sentence to 200 grams, or about 800 pills.

The New York Times

He said the government's decision to lower the threshold to $15m at the Nationals' behest was a "dog-whistle".

The Guardian

In reality, not only does the complete absence of risk to the attacking forces lower the threshold for their use.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Tenet said that his analysts have been encouraged to extend themselves, to lower the threshold for what is credible.

The New Yorker

Morrison denied the findings of the report indicated the decision to lower the threshold was a "knee-jerk" reaction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lower the threshold", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what threshold is being lowered and the intended outcome of this reduction.

Common error

Avoid using "lower the threshold" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "We need to lower the threshold", clarify it by stating "We need to lower the threshold for new investments to attract more capital".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower the threshold" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of reducing a specific limit, standard, or requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally used and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lower the threshold" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of reducing a limit, requirement, or barrier. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is widely accepted in written English. It's frequently employed in contexts ranging from News & Media to scientific research and academia. To enhance clarity, specify which threshold is being lowered and the intended result. Related phrases, like "reduce the limit", "relax the standard", and "ease the restriction", can be used depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the limit

Focuses on decreasing a specific boundary or restriction.

relax the standard

Emphasizes making a specific requirement less strict.

ease the restriction

Highlights the act of lessening a particular constraint.

loosen the requirement

Indicates making a specific condition less stringent.

decrease the minimum

Focuses on reducing the lowest acceptable level.

lessen the barrier

Emphasizes making an obstacle or impediment smaller.

mitigate the obstacle

Highlights the act of alleviating or reducing a specific barrier.

simplify the process

Indicates making a procedure less complicated or easier to navigate.

facilitate access

Emphasizes making something more accessible or easily obtained.

open the doors

Suggests creating opportunities or making something available.

FAQs

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

You can use "lower the threshold" to describe the act of reducing a limit or requirement. For instance, "The company decided to lower the threshold for employee bonuses to boost morale".

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

Alternatives to "lower the threshold" include phrases like "reduce the limit", "relax the standard", or "ease the restriction", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "lower the threshold"?

"Lower the threshold" is suitable in situations where a barrier or requirement is being made less stringent, such as in policy changes, technical specifications, or personal expectations.

What does it mean to "lower the threshold" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to "lower the threshold" means to reduce the minimum acceptable terms or conditions to reach an agreement. It suggests a willingness to compromise to achieve a deal.