about to shatter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to shatter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is on the verge of breaking or collapsing, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The tension in the room was palpable, and I felt like my patience was about to shatter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Violence is about to shatter a day at the beach.

The Guardian - Arts

D'Antoni is bending his principles, but he is not about to shatter them.

The New York Times - Sports

The dream that had begun at a Florida dock was about to shatter.

The New York Times

Coincidentally, 2015 broke the 2014 record, and 2016 is about to shatter the record for hottest year once again.

The Guardian

It sounds as if the flat 6 is about to shatter, but Porsche swears that everything is hunky bordering on dory.

The New York Times

Reality, though, is about to shatter Yuen's dream.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

What anguished pity I used to feel for piñatas at birthday parties, those papier-mâché donkeys with their amiable smiles about to be shattered by little brutes with bats.

The New Yorker

It's about being able to shatter the myths of those who would peddle a world view clearly at odds with the reality of what many Asians experience.

The Guardian

Like Hula House, Menage aims not merely to offer a voyeuristic experience, but to shatter myths about sex workers and raise awareness about working conditions, and the way that the attitudes of police and local councils put women sex-industry workers at risk.

The Guardian

Karin Agness, founder of the Network of enlightened Women, is trying to change that with #ShesConservative, a social media campaign that aims to shatter stereotypes about young Republicans.

The Guardian

The volunteers include a gay couple in their 30s who hope to shatter myths about gay sex, and a heterosexual couple in their early 20s who think people do not talk openly enough about sex.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to shatter" to create a sense of impending crisis or dramatic change. It's effective in both literal and figurative contexts to highlight a critical turning point.

Common error

Avoid using "about to shatter" in overly casual or trivial situations. The phrase carries a strong sense of drama and urgency, which can feel disproportionate in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to shatter" functions as a predictive expression, indicating that something is on the cusp of breaking or collapsing. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing impending events, both literal and figurative, reinforcing its role as a marker of imminent change or destruction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to shatter" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote an impending breaking point or collapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of impending crisis, whether in literal or figurative contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it also sees use in formal and scientific discussions. While "about to shatter" is versatile, it's best employed to highlight dramatic or critical moments, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "on the verge of collapse" or "nearing its breaking point" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. In summary, "about to shatter" is a powerful tool for emphasizing fragility and imminent change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing its breaking point

Highlights the limit of endurance or resilience.

on the point of collapse

Similar to 'on the verge', but stresses a single critical point.

on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the instability and nearness to a complete breakdown.

close to fracturing

Suggests a separation or split is imminent.

about to fall apart

A more general and less dramatic way of expressing imminent failure.

on the brink of disintegration

Highlights a more gradual process of falling apart.

at the limit of endurance

Stresses the capacity to withstand pressure or stress.

on the edge of ruin

Focuses on the potential for failure or destruction.

on the horizon of destruction

Implies a future, impending devastation.

ready to crumble

Suggests a more gentle or less sudden breakdown.

FAQs

How can I use "about to shatter" in a sentence?

Use "about to shatter" to describe something that is on the verge of breaking or collapsing, literally or figuratively. For example: "The fragile peace was "about to shatter" after the recent conflict."

What are some alternatives to "about to shatter"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of collapse", "nearing its breaking point", or "about to fall apart", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "about to be shattered" instead of "about to shatter"?

Yes, "about to be shattered" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the passive aspect of the action. For instance, "The record is "about to be shattered"." Both phrases are usable, but the active voice is often more direct.

When is it appropriate to use "about to shatter" figuratively?

Use it figuratively to describe situations involving relationships, hopes, or systems that are near a breaking point. For example, "His dreams were "about to shatter" after the company went bankrupt."