on the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone crossing a threshold, or in a metaphorical sense to represent a new situation or period. Example: He hesitated on the threshold for a moment, feeling anxious about the new stage of his life he was about to enter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She goes out on the threshold.

The New Yorker

But she found police officers standing on the threshold.

The Guardian

There is a cat on the threshold of No. 228.

The New Yorker

And we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

The New York Times

Miss V. would stand on the threshold of the d.j.j

The New Yorker

An old, old man in rags squatted on the threshold.

The New Yorker

It promised an England on the threshold of something wonderful.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Tune then appeared on the threshold of room 505.

The New York Times - Style

He was apparently on the threshold of success.

The Guardian

The case against… On the threshold of change.

The Guardian - Money

There are millions of men on the threshold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the threshold" to describe a physical location, ensure the context clearly indicates a doorway or entrance. When using it metaphorically, choose contexts where transition and potential are central to the message.

Common error

Avoid using "on the threshold" when describing static conditions or situations lacking a sense of impending change or potential. The phrase implies movement and possibility, so misapplication can weaken your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the threshold" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of transition or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in both literal and figurative contexts, as showcased in provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the threshold" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of transition, proximity, or imminence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business publications, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While synonyms like "on the cusp" or "on the verge" offer similar meanings, "on the threshold" uniquely conveys both physical and metaphorical beginnings. Therefore, writers should use it to express transition and possibility precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge

Almost identical in meaning to "on the brink" and "on the cusp", highlighting nearness to an event or state.

on the cusp

This alternative emphasizes being on the verge or brink of something, similar to "on the threshold".

on the brink

This phrase indicates being very close to a significant event, often implying a sense of anticipation or potential risk.

about to begin

This alternative indicates imminence and preparation for the start of something.

at the gateway

Suggests a passage or entry point to something significant, metaphorical or literal.

at the doorway

More literal, suggesting physical proximity to an entrance or beginning.

at the entrance

Emphasizes the point of entry or beginning, either physically or metaphorically.

at the commencement

Replaces "on the threshold" with a focus on the beginning or start of something. This alternative emphasizes the initial stage.

at the starting point

Similar to "at the commencement", this highlights the initial stage or origin, suggesting a new beginning or opportunity.

in the preliminary stages

Focuses on the early or initial phases of a process or event, replacing the threshold concept with a broader temporal perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the threshold" to describe a physical entrance, like "He stood "on the threshold" of the building". You can also use it metaphorically to describe being at the start of something new, like "The company is "on the threshold" of a breakthrough".

What are some synonyms for "on the threshold"?

Alternatives to "on the threshold" include "on the cusp", "on the verge", and "on the brink", all suggesting a state of being close to a significant event or change.

Is it correct to say "on the threshold of success"?

Yes, "on the threshold of success" is a correct and commonly used expression. It indicates that someone is very close to achieving success.

What's the difference between "on the threshold" and "at the beginning"?

"On the threshold" implies a specific point of entry or transition, whereas "at the beginning" refers to the initial stage of a process or event. "On the threshold" suggests imminence, while "at the beginning" is more general.