threshold of death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threshold of death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing mortality, near-death experiences, or significant life changes related to death. Example: "The patient was at the threshold of death, prompting the doctors to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Stirrings Still describes a man on the threshold of death, a man haunted by a "missing word".

The Guardian - Books

Therefore he ignored the entire field of psychic phenomena until he himself was on the threshold of death.

The New Yorker

It's as though only suffering, only standing at the threshold of death, could fully kindle his enormous gift.

The New York Times - Books

In religious times they were seen, with a certain gravitas, as at the threshold of death, facing the prospect of the last judgment and eternal life.

The Guardian - Books

We never read the replies from Michael who is gradually descending into a nightmare of anorexia and depression that takes him to the threshold of death.

The Guardian - Books

"That autumn I learned from my own experience that a man can cross the threshold of death while occupying a body that is still not dead.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In July, the United Nations declared that parts of southern Somalia had met the technical criteria of famine as defined by certain thresholds of death and malnutrition rates.

The New York Times

But just about the only areas where that drought has spelled famine, as defined by certain thresholds of death and malnutrition rates, are Shabab-controlled areas.

The New York Times

Prognostic factors of mortality were younger age (p = 0.03), a threshold probability of death PIM 2 of 8% (Se 92%, Sp 77%) and 12% for the PRISM III score (Se 89% Sp 77%), Glasgow score ≤8 (OR [CI95%]: 7 [53; 424]), lactate level greater than 2 mmol/l and initial hypoxic-ischemic injuries in cerebral tomodensitometry (CT) (p < 10 4).

Annals of Intensive Care

He has already crossed the daunting psychological threshold of dispensing death: surge troops, drone strikes, the Bin Laden raid.

The New York Times

The CDC humanitarian crisis threshold of one death per 10,000 per day (14) was exceeded during the period April September 1999.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "threshold of death" to describe a critical point or boundary related to mortality, near-death experiences, or significant life changes associated with death. It's suitable when describing a transition or a decisive moment.

Common error

Avoid using "threshold of death" in purely literal contexts (e.g. a physical doorway leading to a morgue). It's best used figuratively to describe a state or condition nearing death.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threshold of death" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement or object, describing a state or condition. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threshold of death" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used to describe the critical point or boundary related to mortality, often emphasizing the imminence of death. While not as common as alternatives like "brink of death" or "verge of death", it is suitable for formal discussions about mortality in news, scientific and literary contexts. It's important to use it figuratively, describing a state nearing death rather than a literal physical location. The phrase maintains a neutral tone and provides a vivid image of crossing over from life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Brink of death

Emphasizes the closeness to death, suggesting being on the very edge.

Verge of death

Similar to 'brink', it highlights the imminence of death.

Edge of mortality

Focuses on the boundary of mortal existence.

Doorstep of death

Suggests entering a new phase or location associated with death.

Cusp of dying

Highlights the transitional moment of death.

Point of no return in dying

Emphasizes the irreversibility of the dying process.

Final moments

Refers to the last instances before death.

Last breath

Focuses on the final act of breathing before death.

Death's door

An idiomatic expression indicating a near-death state.

Gateway to the afterlife

Emphasizes the transition from life to what comes after.

FAQs

How can I use "threshold of death" in a sentence?

You can use "threshold of death" to describe a point where someone is very close to dying, or a transition between life and death. For example, "The patient was on the "threshold of death" when the doctors intervened."

What's a more common phrase than "threshold of death"?

While "threshold of death" is appropriate, phrases like "brink of death" or "verge of death" are more frequently used in everyday language.

What's the difference between "threshold of death" and "edge of death"?

Both phrases refer to being close to death. "Threshold of death" implies crossing a boundary, while "edge of death" suggests being on the precipice, but not necessarily crossing over.

Is "threshold of death" a formal phrase?

"Threshold of death" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, its use is more common in literature, news reports, and discussions about mortality rather than casual conversation.