under the threshold

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the threshold" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to describe something that is below a certain limit or point. For example, "The cost of the repair was under the threshold of what we had budgeted for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That lies just under the threshold of pain".

The New York Times - Tech

He's 24, so one year under the threshold.

The Guardian - Sport

If this system is implemented, the Texas Rangers will be under the threshold".

The New York Times - Sports

Management's preference would be for every team to be under the threshold and pay no tax.

The New York Times - Sports

John was told this was under the threshold and so he did not need to declare it".

The Guardian

Mr. Draskovic's Serbian Renewal Party won only 3.3percentt of the vote, under the threshold for seats.

The New York Times

She pushed the drawings under the linoleum and then inserted the edge of the strip back under the threshold.

The New Yorker

But, importantly, the ACCC says if the price is not specified the contract is deemed to be under the threshold.

The Guardian

The Yankees would also recoup substantial revenue-sharing rebates by staying under the threshold.

The New York Times - Sports

"The AKP has every reason to try and keep us under the threshold.

The Guardian

Any shock will push more under the threshold". The shock this year was simply the lack of rain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the threshold", ensure the context clearly defines what the threshold represents. For example, "under the threshold for reporting income" provides more clarity than simply "under the threshold".

Common error

Avoid using "below the threshold of" when "under the threshold" is more concise and idiomatic. While "below" can sometimes be used, "under" is generally preferred in this specific phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the threshold" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a state of being below a certain limit or value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the threshold" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is below a specific limit or level. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While there are alternative phrases like "below the limit" or "lower than the cutoff", "under the threshold" remains a concise and widely accepted choice. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the threshold to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below the limit

Replaces "threshold" with "limit", maintaining the core meaning of being less than a specified value.

lower than the cutoff

Uses "cutoff" instead of "threshold", suggesting a clear dividing point.

under the specified boundary

Uses "boundary" as a substitute for "threshold", indicating a defined limit.

beneath the acceptable level

More formal and emphasizes the idea of acceptability.

within the margin

Implies being inside a permitted range, rather than strictly below a point.

less than the stipulated amount

More specific and emphasizes a pre-defined or agreed-upon quantity.

not exceeding the prescribed level

Formal and focuses on the act of not going over a certain level.

within permissible bounds

Indicates adherence to allowed limits or constraints.

short of the required quantity

Specifically refers to a shortfall in a required amount.

not reaching the minimum

Highlights the failure to meet a lower bound requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "under the threshold" to describe something that is below a certain limit. For example, "The team managed to keep their spending "under the threshold" set by the league".

What does it mean to be "under the threshold"?

Being "under the threshold" means being below a specific limit, point, or level. It implies that the value or quantity is less than the established maximum or minimum.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "under the threshold"?

Alternatives include "below the limit", "lower than the cutoff", or "within the margin", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "below the threshold" or "under the threshold"?

While both phrases can be used, "under the threshold" is often more common and idiomatic, especially in contexts involving limits, amounts, or levels. However, "below the threshold" is also grammatically correct and understandable.