point below which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point below which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific threshold or limit that is lower than a certain value or standard. Example: "The temperature must not drop below the point below which the equipment will malfunction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is also not a point below which processes can operate safely at any temperature.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

The discrimination threshold score below which primer pairs are classified as dimer forming and above or equal to which primer pairs are classified as dimer-free is set to the point below which the first dimer-free isdimer setre = −2.79).

Nature

Betty Miller: her books are so badly written, but two were very evocative.' But there was a point below which Carmen and her colleagues would not go: they referred to this as 'the Whipple line', after Dorothy Whipple, a writer of popular fiction in the Thirties and Forties.

The Guardian - Books

The deviation point, below which an inverse power law is no longer valid, is marked by Δr c.

Earth, Planets and Space

But even for those like Saudi Arabia that can manage at current prices, there comes a point below which even they will start to get uncomfortable.

BBC

A dotted line is drawn at 20 mV (Figs. 10, 12) to show the point below which the colloidal system is unstable due to flocculation.

Petroleum Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The purchasing managers' index fell below what that trade group termed the break-even point, the level below which the drop in manufacturing would hurt the economy as a whole, for the first time since 1991.

The New York Times

Experienced ICFP authors may want to pay special attention to the points below, which are new this year.

Harvard University

As seen from Figure 3, there exists a maximum permissible price-point, below which, acquiring external data is feasible.

EPJ Data Science

At 222, Oklahoma is now 1 point above the national average in fourth-grade reading -- instead of several points below, which it used to be.

HuffPost

The cut-off points, below which low muscle mass is defined, have been recently established separately for different countries' populations, as their inhabitants are expected to have different body compositions, due to their ethnic characteristics, life styles, diets, habits, and so forth [ 14, 15].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining a "point below which", ensure the units of measurement are clearly specified (e.g., temperature, pressure, concentration) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that values below the "point below which" directly cause a specific outcome. Instead, clearly state the relationship and any other contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point below which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a threshold or limit. It's commonly used to define a condition where a change in behavior or state occurs. Ludwig AI supports this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "point below which" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates a threshold or limit. Predominantly found in scientific and technical contexts, it serves to define a critical boundary where a change in state or behavior occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its effectiveness in establishing precise conditions. Related phrases include "threshold under which" and "limit beneath which". When using this phrase, specify the units of measurement to avoid ambiguity, and avoid assuming direct causation. While predominantly academic, it is important to note it also shows up in News and Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Threshold under which

Replaces "point" with "threshold", emphasizing the limit concept.

Limit beneath which

Substitutes "point" with "limit" and "below" with "beneath", altering the specific terms used.

Level under which

Emphasizes a specific level instead of a general point.

Value below which

Focuses on a numerical or measurable value as the determining factor.

Criterion under which

Highlights a rule or standard that must be met.

Boundary below which

Uses "boundary" to denote a clearer demarcation.

Minimum below which

Specifies the absolute lowest acceptable value.

Cutoff under which

Suggests an abrupt or decisive limit.

The stage at which

Focuses on the progression of events rather than a fixed threshold.

Critical juncture below which

Adds emphasis to the importance or criticality of the boundary

FAQs

How to use "point below which" in a sentence?

The phrase "point below which" is used to indicate a threshold or limit. For example, "There's a critical temperature, the point below which the reaction will not occur".

What can I say instead of "point below which"?

You can use alternatives like "threshold under which", "limit beneath which", or "level under which" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "point below which" or "level under which"?

Both "point below which" and "level under which" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Point" suggests a specific instance, while "level" implies a continuous range.

What's the difference between "point below which" and "critical point"?

"Point below which" describes a threshold. A "critical point" is more broad. The "critical point" is a condition at which sudden changes occur.