over the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"over the threshold" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase typically refers to the point at which something has been made official or has become real. For example: "We crossed the threshold into a new era of technology when computers became widely used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His sales are slightly over the threshold.

The New York Times - Tech

I couldn't even step over the threshold.

Independent

Once over the threshold, she became his maid.

Independent

Morse's lifelong propensity to tinker carried him over the threshold of greatness.

The New York Times - Books

Once over the threshold, the bike - intoxicated with an open throttle - really got into its stride.

The Guardian

Persuading him to step over the threshold as director of rugby was another matter.

The Guardian - Sport

For every £1 earned over the threshold, tenants will be required to pay 15p extra rent.

The Guardian

A diminutive, green-uniformed official began letting people over the threshold.

The Guardian - Travel

Once over the threshold, however, she was plunged into pure American gothic.

The Guardian - Books

Without recognizing it, we have already stepped over the threshold of such a change.

The New Yorker

The same mezuzah, forgotten by the previous tenants, was still tacked over the threshold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "over the threshold"; it can imply either a positive progression or a negative breach, depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "over the threshold" in situations where a simple transition or change is meant. The phrase carries a weight of significance, implying a substantial shift or breach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the threshold" typically functions as an adverbial phrase or part of a predicate, modifying a verb to indicate the action of surpassing a specific limit or boundary. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often describes a transition or significant change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the threshold" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe exceeding a specific limit or boundary, often implying a significant change or transition. Ludwig's analysis and the provided examples demonstrate its versatility across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider the connotations it carries, as it can imply either a positive progression or a negative breach. When using "over the threshold", ensure that the context makes clear what that threshold represents and avoid using it where a simple transition is meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the limit

This alternative focuses on exceeding a predefined boundary or constraint.

past the point of no return

This alternative emphasizes the irreversibility of crossing a particular boundary.

across the boundary

This alternative highlights the action of moving from one area or state to another.

at the tipping point

This alternative refers to the moment when a small change causes a significant effect.

having reached the limit

This alternative describes the state of reaching a maximum level or capacity.

exceeding the limit

This alternative emphasizes surpassing a set boundary or maximum value.

gone too far

This alternative implies exceeding acceptable or safe boundaries, often with negative connotations.

surpassed the limit

This alternative highlights the act of exceeding a defined maximum or boundary.

stepped into a new phase

This alternative indicates entering a new stage or period of development.

reached a critical juncture

This alternative emphasizes arriving at a crucial point in time or a decision-making stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "over the threshold" to describe exceeding a limit, like "His sales are slightly "over the threshold" for sales tax". Or to describe a significant change like "Without recognizing it, we have already stepped "over the threshold" of such a change".

What does it mean to be "over the threshold"?

Being "over the threshold" typically means that a certain limit or point has been surpassed. This can relate to physical boundaries, financial limits, or abstract concepts like a point of no return.

Which is a better phrase, "exceeding the limit" or "over the threshold"?

Both "exceeding the limit" and "over the threshold" suggest surpassing a boundary. However, ""over the threshold"" often carries a stronger connotation of crossing into a new state or condition.

What can I say instead of "over the threshold"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "beyond the limit", "past the point of no return", or "at the tipping point".