threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "threshold" is correct in written English.
You can use it to refer to the point at which a new stage or level of something begins. For example: Once I passed the threshold, I knew I had made a big decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shackled by the high threshold, pro-Kurdish candidates had previously run as independents in single seats to try to beat the 10% party barrier.

The Guardian

Proportion of searches for delisted pages that actually involve the requester's name (perhaps in the form of % of delisted URLs that garnered certain threshold percentages of traffic from name searches).

The Guardian - Tech

The $11,000 price tag – including GST – is pitched just below the $12,000 threshold at which political donations have to be disclosed to the Australian Electoral Commission.

The Guardian

The lowering of the FTB B income threshold for the primary earner is estimated to save $1.2bn over four years, while cutting youth allowance to students travelling overseas, unless it's for study or a family crisis, will save $153.1m over five years, according to the budget papers.

The Guardian

The Liberal Democrat leader said the Tories' plan to raise the personal allowance to £12,500 and increase the 40p rate threshold to £50,000 by 2020 would cost £7bn.

The Guardian

A museum is a temple of art and as soon as you cross the threshold you expect everything you are told on a label is correct.

The Guardian - Arts

"Don't be put off by the threshold," says the MEP Peter Jahr.

The Guardian

Future Nomination threshold will rise to 20% of MPs.

The Guardian

The Conservatives did not spell out in what stages the reforms would be achieved, but said that by 2020 the extra cost of the higher personal allowance would be £5.6bn and the new higher rate threshold £1.6bn.

The Guardian

He said under his plan the personal tax allowance will rise from £10,500 next year to £12,500 in 2020, while the higher rate tax threshold would increase from £42,265 next year to £50,000 at the same date.

The Guardian

Labor's plan would tax annual earnings above a $75,000 threshold at 15%.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing quantitative criteria, clearly define the "threshold" to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the exact income level for a tax "threshold".

Common error

Avoid using "threshold" interchangeably with terms like "limit" or "boundary" without considering the specific context. "Threshold" often implies a point of transition or change, while "limit" simply sets a maximum or minimum.

Linguistic Context

The word "threshold" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a boundary, limit, or starting point. It is often used to describe the point at which a certain condition is met or a change occurs, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "threshold" is a versatile noun that commonly signifies a limit, boundary, or starting point. It is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig examples highlight its usage in various scenarios, from election results to tax policies. To ensure clarity in writing, especially when dealing with quantitative measures, it's important to clearly define the "threshold" you are discussing. Overall, understanding the precise meaning and context of "threshold" allows for more effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limit

Refers to the maximum or minimum amount or degree of something permissible or possible.

boundary

Denotes a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.

cut-off point

Specifies a point that serves to terminate or limit something.

entry point

Indicates a place or point of access or beginning.

critical level

Highlights a level beyond which significant changes or effects occur.

point of no return

Emphasizes a stage at which it's impossible to reverse or change course.

beginning

Signifies the start or commencement of something.

starting gate

Suggests the initial point or opportunity for something to begin.

doorway

Indicates an entrance or portal, often symbolizing a new opportunity.

precipice

Represents a situation of great danger or uncertainty, a critical point.

FAQs

How to use "threshold" in a sentence?

You can use "threshold" to describe a minimum requirement that needs to be met, such as: "The company had to reach a certain sales "threshold" before receiving funding."

What are some synonyms for "threshold"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "limit", "boundary", or "cut-off point".

What's the difference between "threshold" and "limit"?

"Threshold" typically refers to a point that must be crossed to initiate a change or achieve a goal, whereas "limit" indicates a maximum or minimum boundary that should not be exceeded.

In what contexts is "threshold" most commonly used?

"Threshold" is commonly used in contexts involving taxes, voting, and scientific measurements, often to indicate the point at which a certain condition is met or a specific action is triggered.