at the breaking point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the breaking point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is under extreme stress or pressure and is about to fail or collapse. Example: "After weeks of relentless work and no sleep, she felt she was at the breaking point and needed a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"But we're at the breaking point.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, her sources are at the breaking point.

The New Yorker

"We're at the breaking point," Mr. Gautier said.

The New York Times

In any case, back in the West Village, Mr. Gaston felt he was at the breaking point.

The New York Times

But the crooning can switch at any moment to ranting or howling, and even when he's singing a tune, Mr. Moreno sounds like someone at the breaking point.

The New York Times - Arts

When she was in Illinois, the national mood had yet to arrive at the breaking point it seems to be nearing.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Holding tight to his characters with long takes and closeups, capturing them only at the breaking points in their lives, Garrel balances a hypnotic romanticism with the frightening lurch of unsteady emotions.

The New Yorker

At the break point where AT,reload/AT,unload = 1.0, the concentrations of unlabeled PCNA, RFC, and polδ were all equivalent indicating that polδ stabilized all loaded PCNA on the Cy3-P/T DNA.

eLife

Besides, the addition of GO reduces the elongation at the break point.

Chemistry Central Journal

Due to the huge pressure difference between the inside of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and surrounding ambient environment, a shock wave will form at the break point and burst into the surrounding environment.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

A realistic description of the role of interfacial tension is incorporated by treating it as a restoring force which passes through a maximum as the drop deforms and eventually reaching a zero value at the break point.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the breaking point" to describe situations or individuals experiencing extreme duress that are on the precipice of failure or breakdown. Ensure the context clearly communicates the severity and imminence of the potential collapse.

Common error

Avoid using "at the breaking point" to describe everyday stress or minor inconveniences. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for scenarios involving genuine crisis or extreme pressure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the breaking point" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It typically describes the state of a noun, indicating it's under immense pressure and nearing failure. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the breaking point" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe situations or individuals under extreme duress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though best reserved for situations involving genuine crisis. While "at the breaking point" appears most frequently in news and media sources, it's important to avoid overusing it in mild situations. Instead, consider alternatives like "on the verge of collapse" or "nearing the limit" if a less severe tone is desired. Remember to convey the severity of a situation clearly, and in this way, you will be able to use effectively the phrase "at the breaking point".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

This phrase emphasizes the imminence of failure or breakdown.

nearing the limit

This highlights proximity to an insurmountable boundary or threshold.

close to the edge

This conveys a sense of precariousness and potential instability.

under immense strain

This focuses on the intense pressure being experienced.

about to snap

This suggests an impending and sudden failure or loss of control.

reaching a critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the moment and the high stakes involved.

at the end of one's rope

Indicates a state of utter exhaustion and desperation.

on the brink

Highlights the nearness to a significant and often negative event.

pushed to the limit

Focuses on the experience of being forced to endure extreme pressure.

ready to give way

Conveys a sense of imminent surrender or collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "at the breaking point" in a sentence?

You can use "at the breaking point" to describe a situation or person experiencing extreme stress and near collapse. For example, "After months of intense negotiations, the deal was "at the breaking point"." or "The constant pressure had pushed him "at the breaking point"."

What phrases are similar to "at the breaking point"?

Alternatives to "at the breaking point" include phrases such as "on the verge of collapse", "nearing the limit", or "close to the edge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "at the breaking point" in formal writing?

Yes, "at the breaking point" is appropriate for formal writing, but be mindful of the context. It is suitable when describing serious situations of extreme pressure or potential failure, as confirmed by its presence in reputable news sources and formal reports.

What's the difference between "at the breaking point" and "pushed to the limit"?

"At the breaking point" suggests that something is about to fail or collapse due to pressure, while "pushed to the limit" implies that something has already been subjected to the maximum possible stress or effort. The former emphasizes the impending failure, while the latter focuses on the exertion endured.