lower the thresholds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lower the thresholds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate reducing limits or criteria for something, such as standards, requirements, or barriers. Example: "To increase participation, we need to lower the thresholds for entry into the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Labor says it will ban foreign donations, require near real-time disclosure of donations, lower the thresholds for disclosure and support increased public funding.

The Guardian

On Friday the men were issued with interim control orders, the first time the extraordinary powers have been used since the government succeeded in passing a series of a national security amendments that lower the thresholds for applying for and granting the orders.

The Guardian

Several drugs are known to lower the thresholds for shivering or vasoconstriction, among which meperidine has been shown one of the most effective [ 57].

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Couldn't we lower the threshold?

The Economist

Weapons at sea could lower the threshold.

The Economist

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

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

The Guardian

"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

(Frustration with this increase led the Senate, in 1975, to lower the threshold for cloture to sixty votes).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing policy changes or strategic adjustments, use "lower the thresholds" to clearly communicate the intention of making requirements less stringent. This can encourage broader participation or access.

Common error

While "lower the thresholds" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make it easier" or "reduce the requirements" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower the thresholds" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of reducing limits or requirements for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lower the thresholds" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of reducing limits or requirements. While considered rare in overall frequency, it appears most commonly in news and media and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English to clearly communicate a strategic adjustment or policy change. When writing, consider using "lower the thresholds" to convey making access or participation easier, but be mindful of its formality level and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the criteria

Focuses specifically on decreasing the criteria or standards required for something.

decrease the limits

Emphasizes the action of reducing established boundaries or restrictions.

ease the restrictions

Highlights the act of making rules or limitations less strict.

relax the standards

Implies a loosening of the established benchmarks or expectations.

loosen the requirements

Suggests making the necessary conditions less stringent or demanding.

lessen the barriers

Focuses on diminishing obstacles or impediments.

simplify the process

Highlights making a procedure or system easier to navigate or complete.

make it easier

A more general phrase indicating a reduction in difficulty or effort.

open the doors

A metaphorical expression suggesting increased access or opportunity.

pave the way

Implies the removal of obstacles to facilitate progress or achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "lower the thresholds" to describe making requirements or standards less strict. For example, "The company decided to "lower the thresholds" for eligibility to increase participation".

What are some alternatives to "lower the thresholds"?

Alternatives include "reduce the criteria", "ease the restrictions", or "relax the standards", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lower the threshold" or "reduce the threshold"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "lower the threshold" is more common. "Reduce the threshold" may be preferable in contexts where a more formal or technical tone is desired.

What does it mean to "lower the thresholds" in business?

In a business context, to ""lower the thresholds"" typically means making it easier for customers or clients to access products, services, or benefits. This might involve reducing minimum purchase requirements, simplifying application processes, or decreasing initial investment amounts.