on the threshold of

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the threshold of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is about to happen or a situation that is on the brink of occurring. For example: "We are now on the threshold of a new era in which the possibilities are endless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It remainSoto be seen is French insecurithecaNFalso win Le Pen the most powereallyeat in the game.

Vice

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

It promised an England on the threshold of something wonderful.

The Guardian - Books

We are on the threshold of eradicating the disease.

The Economist

We stand on the threshold of a new century big with the fate of many nations.

The New York Times

Burundi is feared to be on the threshold of another civil war.

The New York Times

For those of us on the threshold of middle age, this was a cruel blow.

The New Yorker

And yet England are on the threshold of regaining the Ashes, which would be some heist.

The Guardian - Sport

Aeschylus sets Agamemnon and The Libation Bearers on the threshold of the royal palace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the threshold of" to create a sense of anticipation or excitement about an upcoming event or change. It adds a touch of formality and significance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on the threshold of" to describe physical locations unless you're using it metaphorically. For example, it's better to say "standing in the doorway" rather than "on the threshold of the room" if you mean it literally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the threshold of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating that something is at the point of beginning or transitioning into a new state. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Reference

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the threshold of" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express that something is about to begin or transition into a new state. Ludwig AI confirms that it's suitable for adding a sense of anticipation and formality to your writing. While it is more common in news and media, its appropriate use extends to academic and business contexts as well. Remember to avoid using it literally for physical locations, and consider simpler alternatives like "about to" in more casual settings. Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively use the phrase and enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of

Replaces "threshold" with "verge", emphasizing imminence but maintaining a similar degree of formality.

on the brink of

Similar to "on the verge of", highlighting the precariousness or decisiveness of the moment.

at the cusp of

Uses "cusp" instead of "threshold", suggesting a transitional point between two states.

at the dawn of

More poetic and evocative, suggesting the beginning of something significant.

at the gateway to

Uses a metaphorical "gateway", suggesting a passage into a new phase.

on the horizon of

Employs "horizon" to convey anticipation and future possibilities.

nearing the start of

More literal and less idiomatic, focusing on the proximity to a beginning.

approaching the beginning of

Similar to "nearing the start of", but slightly more formal.

about to experience

Focuses on the imminent experience or event, rather than the transitional state.

in the process of starting

Focuses on the ongoing action, rather than the imminent arrival.

FAQs

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

Use "on the threshold of" to describe a situation that is about to begin or a significant change that is imminent. For example, "The company is "on the threshold of" a major breakthrough".

What are some alternatives to "on the threshold of"?

You can use phrases like "on the verge of", "on the brink of", or "at the cusp of" as alternatives to "on the threshold of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on the threshold of" in informal writing?

While "on the threshold of" is generally considered more formal, it can be used in informal writing if you want to add a touch of elegance or emphasize the significance of an event. However, simpler phrases might be more suitable in very casual contexts.

What's the difference between "on the threshold of" and "about to"?

"On the threshold of" implies a sense of anticipation and importance, suggesting that something significant is about to happen. "About to" is more direct and simply indicates that something will happen very soon. For example, "They are "about to" launch a new product" conveys immediacy, while "They are "on the threshold of" a new era of innovation" suggests a broader, more significant shift.