push the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "push the threshold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing exceeding limits or boundaries, whether in a physical, metaphorical, or conceptual sense. Example: "In order to achieve greater success, we must push the threshold of our current capabilities and explore new opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If you train above it, ultimately you're going to push the threshold down".

The New York Times - Sports

For each of them, we changed only one structural parameter to push the threshold gain to 158 cm−158

Nanoscale Research Letters

While the credit currently phases out for incomes above $110,000, the new legislation would push the threshold to $230,000.

Huffington Post

With the increase in special effects in movies continuing to push the threshold of where movie making can take us, often the only limit is the ability of the graphic digital artist to create realistic film elements.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His latest film, "World's Greatest Dad" (which opens on Aug. 21), pushes the threshold of indignity further still.

The New York Times

We have observed that by pushing the threshold to very high values the correlation between selectivity and mortality approaches one.

Plosone

They raise cardiovascular capacity and push the anaerobic threshold, an athlete's point of dimishing returns, said Andrea Chernus, an exercise physiologist in New York City.

The New York Times

The opportunities afforded by publicity and sharing also push the quality threshold, according to a national journalist: "[Social media] means independent sites have more chance of a sustained readership, and therefore put more effort in".

Huffington Post

The higher you can push this threshold, the faster you'll be during the race.

WikiHow

The world's working coal mines and oil and gas fields contain enough carbon to push the world beyond the threshold for catastrophic climate change, according to a report released on Thursday.

The Guardian

AK, they say, aims to push the MHP under the threshold of 10% of the vote needed to win seats in parliament.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push the threshold", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific limit or boundary you are trying to exceed. For example, specify "push the threshold of innovation" or "push the threshold of physical endurance."

Common error

Avoid using "push the threshold" in vague contexts where the specific threshold isn't clear. Instead of saying "we need to push the threshold", specify what area you aim to improve or exceed a limit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push the threshold" functions as a verb phrase where "push" acts as the main verb and "the threshold" serves as the direct object. This construction typically describes the act of approaching, reaching, or surpassing a limit or boundary. Ludwig's examples show various contexts where this phrase is used to denote exceeding a limit.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push the threshold" is a phrase used to describe exceeding or challenging a limit or boundary. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, the phrase is not overly common, finding its primary use in news, media, and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify which limit is being exceeded and to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "exceed the limit" or "raise the bar" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exceed the limit

This alternative directly replaces "push" with "exceed" and "threshold" with "limit", focusing on surpassing a boundary.

Surpass the boundary

This option uses "surpass" as a stronger verb for exceeding and "boundary" instead of "threshold", emphasizing going beyond a defined limit.

Stretch the limits

This alternative suggests extending the boundaries of what is currently possible, similar to making the "threshold" more distant.

Raise the bar

This is an idiomatic alternative that implies setting a higher standard or expectation, similar to elevating a threshold.

Elevate the standard

Similar to "raise the bar", this phrase focuses on increasing the level of quality or performance that is expected or required.

Redefine the boundaries

This phrase emphasizes altering the definition or understanding of what constitutes a limit or threshold.

Transcend limitations

This alternative conveys exceeding inherent restrictions or constraints, going beyond what is normally possible.

Advance the frontier

Emphasizes pushing forward the leading edge or boundary of knowledge, technology, or achievement.

Break the ceiling

Implies surpassing an upper limit or barrier, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in career advancement.

Challenge the status quo

This phrase focuses on questioning or defying accepted norms or standards, indirectly affecting the current "threshold" of acceptability or performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "push the threshold" to describe exceeding a limit or boundary, such as "The new technology aims to "push the threshold" of what is currently possible in renewable energy." Ensure that the context makes it clear which limit is being exceeded.

What are some alternatives to "push the threshold"?

Alternatives include "exceed the limit", "raise the bar", or "surpass the boundary". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to "push the threshold" in a scientific context?

In science, "push the threshold" often means approaching or exceeding a critical value or point at which a significant change occurs. For example, scientists might try to "push the threshold" of a material's resistance to extreme temperatures.

Is "pushing the threshold" the same as "raising the threshold"?

While both phrases involve the concept of a limit, "pushing the threshold" typically means approaching or exceeding an existing limit. "Raising the threshold", on the other hand, implies increasing the limit itself, making it more difficult to reach or exceed.