passed the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "passed the threshold" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to go beyond a certain level or point, often in a figurative sense. Example: After years of hard work and dedication, the company finally passed the threshold of profitability. In this sentence, "passed the threshold" is used to indicate that the company has achieved a level of success that was previously out of reach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think we've passed the threshold," Mr. Kiniklioglu said.

The New York Times

"It has passed the threshold of a crisis".

The New York Times

What did he expect, his gut knotting up as he passed the threshold?

The New Yorker

You didn't know that each time you passed the threshold you were saying goodbye.

The New York Times - Magazine

Having passed the threshold of five yellow cards, Leicester will be punished by the Football Association.

The Guardian - Sport

Apple's valuation has risen to $1.1 trillion since it first passed the threshold.

The Washington Post

The deputy head of the Supreme Election Board said five parties had passed the threshold.

The New York Times

"Once he passed the threshold on national security, that was it," Robert Shrum, a Democratic consultant, said of Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

This was the second time that Halligan received majority support, but, because she never passed the threshold of sixty, her nomination now appears doomed.

The New Yorker

Ed Balls, the shadow education secretary, has passed the threshold but was unable to attend due to a debate on education taking place in the Commons today.

The Guardian

As delegates on the floor called out their votes, Mrs. Clinton passed the threshold of votes required to officially secure the nomination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "passed the threshold" to indicate a significant achievement or change in state, such as a company reaching a profitability milestone or a scientific experiment achieving a critical mass.

Common error

Avoid using "passed the threshold" without clearly defining what threshold is being referenced. Ensure the context provides a specific, measurable, or otherwise understandable limit or point that has been surpassed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passed the threshold" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of exceeding a defined limit or benchmark. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, from political elections to scientific experiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passed the threshold" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that signifies exceeding a defined limit or benchmark. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequency and applicability across various domains such as science, news, and business make it a versatile tool for effective communication. While suitable in neutral register, it is important to provide context and clarity, and avoid ambiguity of the threshold. The phrase can be replaced by related alternatives like "exceeded the limit", "reached the benchmark", or "surpassed the boundary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeded the limit

Focuses on surpassing a defined boundary, similar to "passed the threshold".

reached the benchmark

Highlights achieving a standard or level of performance, akin to "passed the threshold".

surpassed the boundary

Emphasizes going beyond a defined border or limit, similar to the idea of surpassing.

crossed the line

Indicates exceeding an acceptable limit or standard, often with negative connotations.

met the criteria

Focuses on fulfilling specific requirements or standards.

achieved the target

Highlights the accomplishment of a predetermined goal or objective.

cleared the hurdle

Implies overcoming an obstacle or challenge to reach a certain point.

broken through the barrier

Suggests overcoming a significant impediment or resistance.

attained the level

Indicates reaching a specific degree or stage of progress.

outstripped the standard

Emphasizes exceeding a typical or expected level of performance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "passed the threshold" indicates that a specific limit or level has been exceeded. For example, "The project "passed the threshold" for initial funding after securing several key investors".

What are some alternatives to "passed the threshold"?

You can use alternatives like "exceeded the limit", "reached the benchmark", or "surpassed the boundary" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something has "passed the threshold"?

It means that it has gone beyond a specific point or level, often indicating a significant change or achievement. The meaning can vary depending on the context, such as reaching a certain number, level of performance, or stage of development.

When is it appropriate to use "passed the threshold" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "passed the threshold" when you want to emphasize that a specific limit or level has been exceeded, leading to a notable outcome or consequence. It is often used in business, science, and politics to indicate that a target has been achieved or a critical point has been reached.