at the brink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the brink" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is at a critical point or edge, often implying imminent change or danger. Example: "The country was at the brink of economic collapse, prompting urgent intervention from international organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Athens is again at the brink.

The New York Times

"Standing at the brink of history?

The New York Times - Sports

He stood at the brink of a glittering career.

The New Yorker

Brazil stood at the brink of civil war.

Britannica

Education is at the brink of so many reforms now.

The New York Times

The NHS is at the brink of extinction.

The Guardian

After an awful week, Citigroup appeared be at the brink.

The New York Times

It undercuts the regolith at the brink of the phreatic to vadose hydrological zones.

Geomorphology

Pressure distribution at the brink, which is assumed a quadratic parabola, is incorporated in the analysis.

Journal of Hydrology

"We are at the brink of a new era in the home," Mr. Rogers said.

The New York Times - Tech

But, if we are already at the brink of overstimulation, we can turn to nature instead.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the brink" to convey a sense of urgency and impending change, emphasizing the critical nature of a situation. For instance, "The negotiations were at the brink of collapse, requiring immediate intervention."

Common error

Avoid using "at the brink" when simply describing proximity; it should imply a significant potential outcome, whether positive or negative. Don't say "The cup was at the brink of the table" if it doesn't suggest an impending fall or some other meaningful consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the brink" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause to indicate a state of being close to a significant or critical point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English, implying an imminent change or danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the brink" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a situation nearing a critical turning point, often implying risk or significant change. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, and while it carries a neutral tone, it can be formal depending on usage. Alternatives include "on the verge" or "at the edge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using "at the brink" effectively involves understanding its implication of impending change, avoiding its use when simple proximity is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge

Focuses on the imminence of an event or situation, similar to being at the edge.

on the cusp

Highlights the transitional nature of being at a turning point.

at the edge

Emphasizes the precariousness and potential danger of a situation.

on the threshold

Implies entering a new phase or beginning a significant change.

at the precipice

Stresses the danger and potential for a sudden, negative outcome.

on the point of

Highlights the immediacy and likelihood of something happening.

in danger of

Focuses specifically on the potential for harm or failure.

nearing the point

Implies an approach to a crucial moment or decision.

close to the edge

Similar to being "at the brink", it suggests a risky or unstable situation.

approaching the limit

Emphasizes that a maximum capacity or tolerance is being reached.

FAQs

How can I use "at the brink" in a sentence?

Use "at the brink" to indicate that something is close to a critical point or significant change. For example: "The company was "at the brink" of bankruptcy before the new investment." The phrase generally suggests some element of risk or uncertainty about the outcome.

What are some alternatives to using "at the brink"?

Alternatives include "on the verge", "on the cusp", or "at the edge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey; "on the verge" implies imminence, while "at the edge" emphasizes precariousness.

Is it better to say "at the brink" or "on the brink"?

"On the brink" is more common and idiomatic than "at the brink", although both are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "On the brink" is generally preferred in most contexts.

What is the difference between "at the brink" and "at the edge"?

While both suggest proximity to a boundary, "at the brink" implies a greater sense of danger or a more significant potential outcome. "At the edge" may simply indicate a location near a border or limit, without necessarily suggesting an impending crisis. "At the brink" often relates to a pivotal moment.