threshold of consciousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threshold of consciousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about awareness, perception, or the limits of human consciousness. Example: "The study aimed to explore the threshold of consciousness and how it affects our understanding of reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"At that moment, I suddenly realized that I was going beyond the threshold of consciousness," Senna said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is true that some ideas may be driven below the threshold of consciousness; but the excluded ideas continue to exist in an unconscious form and tend, on the removal of obstacles (as through education), to return spontaneously to consciousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Barthelme shared the surrealists' faith that, by an intuition operating below the threshold of consciousness — he called this the faculty of "not-knowing" — the juxtaposition of unlike to unlike could trigger a new kind of awareness, one that is normally buried under the predictability of conventional usage.

The New Yorker

The tripartite cosmos was re-mythologized into a tripartite structure of the personality the superego (the restrictive social regulations that enable man to live as a social being), the ego (the conscious aspects of man), and the id, or libido (a "seething, boiling cauldron of desire that seeks to erupt from beneath the threshold of consciousness").

Encyclopedia Britannica

When her future husband encounters her in a Paris cafe and asks her about the book she is reading (it is by Nathalie Sarraute), Nina replies: "It's about trying to capture and transform into language the manifestations of the inner self, the vibrations and the tremors of feelings on the threshold of consciousness.

The New York Times - Books

For example, important events (e.g., the presence or absence of bystanders) may have been forgotten, sequences may be reversed in memory, and all information that was processed below the threshold of consciousness cannot be retrieved from memory.

Crime Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

His experiences of occupation, living under totalitarian regimes and genocide (he lived in Warsaw during the second world war) gave him "an almost physical disgust" for nationalism and a deep conviction "that as long as we live, we must lift ourselves over new thresholds of consciousness".

The Guardian - Books

There is the frequent sense, too, that the indignities, absurdities, and ironies of the story lines unspool as if from a threshold state of consciousness.

The New Yorker

Late-night radio might start off shouty or clever or crass, but it often lives most vividly on the threshold of our consciousness, looping in and out of our minds, a living dream.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I make a habit of not looking at email and try to make it so I have a period of time in which whatever is going on in the world hasn't arrived at the threshold of my consciousness yet.

The New York Times - Books

The images of this horrifying chapter of our history have never really crossed the threshold of the national consciousness... Writer tells about the underpinnings of the campaign in England... [This] program of destruction directed primarily against the civilian population was vigorously debated from the first in Great Britain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing psychological states or sensory perception, use "threshold of consciousness" to specifically denote the boundary between conscious and unconscious awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "threshold of consciousness" interchangeably with general awareness. It refers specifically to the boundary or limit, not just any state of being conscious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threshold of consciousness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific boundary or limit relating to conscious awareness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "threshold of consciousness" is a grammatically sound and conceptually rich noun phrase used to describe the boundary between conscious and unconscious awareness. Though not extremely frequent, Ludwig AI validates its use across diverse formal contexts such as scientific studies, news reports, and philosophical discussions. Key related phrases include "limit of awareness" and "boundary of perception". When using this phrase, ensure it specifically denotes the boundary, not just general awareness. Remember it is typically used in a formal and scientific register. Considering it's usage, it highlights scientific and philosophical analysis of human perception, making it an invaluable tool for discussing psychology and cognitive processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conscious threshold

Inverts the words but retains the same meaning

limit of awareness

Focuses on the extent of being aware rather than the specific point of crossing into awareness.

boundary of perception

Highlights the edge or limit of what can be perceived rather than the level of awareness.

edge of cognizance

Uses a more formal term, "cognizance", to denote awareness, thus altering the tone.

verge of awareness

Emphasizes being close to the state of awareness, suggesting imminence.

point of realization

Shifts the focus to the moment when understanding or awareness occurs.

state of unconsciousness

Represents the inverse, referring to the condition of lacking awareness.

subliminal perception

Refers to perception below the level of conscious awareness.

margin of sensibility

Highlights the range within which one can sense or feel.

preconscious state

Describes the state just before conscious awareness.

FAQs

How can the phrase "threshold of consciousness" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "threshold of consciousness" is used to describe the boundary between conscious awareness and unconsciousness. For example, "The experiment aimed to determine the precise stimuli needed to reach the "threshold of consciousness"".

What is an alternative to "threshold of consciousness"?

Alternatives include "limit of awareness", "boundary of perception", or "edge of cognizance", each highlighting slightly different aspects of awareness and perception.

Is "threshold of consciousness" a formal or informal term?

"Threshold of consciousness" is a relatively formal term, often used in scientific, philosophical, and psychological contexts. In more casual conversation, phrases like "awareness level" might be more appropriate.

What factors can affect the "threshold of consciousness"?

Factors such as sleep deprivation, medication, trauma, and psychological disorders can all affect an individual's "threshold of consciousness". Some practices like meditation may also alter it.