threshold of adulthood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threshold of adulthood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the point at which a person transitions from adolescence to adulthood, often associated with legal or social milestones. Example: "Reaching the threshold of adulthood, she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety about the responsibilities that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In the past, people in their teens played responsible roles in the society and were on the threshold of adulthood.

The New York Times

Rineke Dijkstra's "Beach Portraits" of adolescents posing awkwardly against stark seascape horizons are isolated (and isolating) images of children on the threshold of adulthood.

The New York Times - Arts

It shares similar ground with The Fault in Our Stars: the confusingly intense threshold of adulthood, full of lust, romance, gauche statements and mad idealism.

The Guardian - Film

The kids all look their age, still cute but on the threshold of adulthood, and the pictures startle as they linger on this transitional moment.

The New Yorker

He was further dismayed to discover that his charges were an unruly, disruptive group of 15-year-olds who stood cockily on the threshold of adulthood.

The Guardian - Books

You might also have hoped for a bit of insight into life on the threshold of adulthood in today's fretful Britain.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This person has indulged in smoking the marijuana herb in his youth, but upon the threshold of maturing adulthood gave it up for the sake of responsibilities.

Huffington Post

And Jason is on the verge of adulthood.

The New York Times - Books

We and others have described the microsatellite lifecycle in three phases: birth, when a locus acquires the necessary numbers of repeats to attain the threshold length; adulthood, a dynamic phase when a locus is above the threshold for mutagenesis; and death, when the locus repeat length dips below the threshold (Amos and Rubinstzein 1996; Buschiazzo and Gemmell 2006; Kelkar et al. 2010).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Such regulation is a key determinant of normal cortical excitability and seizure threshold in adulthood [ 171].

BioMed Research International

Comment about the impatience of adulthood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “threshold of adulthood” to describe a transitional phase where an individual is nearing the age of legal and social maturity, often marked by increased responsibilities and expectations. Consider the emotional and psychological implications of this transition when using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using “threshold of adulthood” interchangeably with simply being an adult. The phrase specifically denotes the process of becoming an adult, rather than already being one. Therefore, be mindful not to use it in contexts that describe someone who has long passed this transitional phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threshold of adulthood" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a preposition or a subject complement. It describes the state or period just before reaching full adulthood. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12.5%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threshold of adulthood" effectively describes the transitional period as one nears adulthood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news articles, formal business documents, and scientific literature. When using this phrase, remember that it refers to the transition itself, not the state of being an adult. Consider using alternatives like "verge of adulthood" or "cusp of adulthood" for similar meanings. Remembering its implications of potential and change will ensure accurate and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doorstep of adulthood

Emphasizes being very close to reaching adulthood.

verge of adulthood

Highlights the imminence of reaching adulthood.

cusp of adulthood

Refers to being at the edge or boundary of adulthood.

brink of adulthood

Suggests being on the very edge before entering adulthood.

approaching adulthood

Focuses on the process of moving closer to adulthood.

transition to adulthood

Highlights the shift or change into adulthood.

gateway to adulthood

Implies that adulthood is a passage or entrance.

pathway to adulthood

Suggests a route or journey leading to adulthood.

dawn of adulthood

Emphasizes the beginning or emergence of adulthood.

onset of adulthood

Focuses on the start or commencement of adulthood.

FAQs

What does it mean to be on the “threshold of adulthood”?

Being on the “threshold of adulthood” means you are nearing the point where you are considered an adult, typically involving legal rights and responsibilities. It's a transitional stage between adolescence and full maturity.

What are some alternative phrases for “threshold of adulthood”?

You can use alternatives like "verge of adulthood", "cusp of adulthood", or "approaching adulthood" to describe someone nearing adulthood.

How is “threshold of adulthood” different from simply being an adult?

The “threshold of adulthood” implies a transition, the process of becoming an adult. Being an adult refers to someone who has already reached that stage and possesses the rights and responsibilities associated with it.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use “threshold of adulthood”?

It's appropriate when discussing teenagers preparing to take on adult roles, young adults facing new responsibilities, or the psychological and emotional changes associated with this life stage. Using "transition to adulthood" can also be useful.