brink of breaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of breaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is on the verge of collapse or failure, often referring to emotional or physical limits. Example: "After weeks of stress and pressure, she felt she was on the brink of breaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But we're teetering on the brink of breaking even".

The New York Times

Again his voice was on the brink of breaking up.

The Guardian

Apathy has overtaken anger and the patience of owner Mike Ashley will be tested to the brink of breaking point.

Independent

He gave warning that several countries seemed to be on the brink of breaking the pact's rules.

The Economist

On the brink of breaking point, Domme's back to peel me as you would a melted Easter egg.

The Guardian - Travel

The latest would-be championship preview pits the Packers, who have spent three seasons on the brink of breaking out, against the Other Leading Brand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He took the United Kingdom to the brink of break-up — then, after a "no" vote, the canny Scot somehow also managed to turn defeat into victory.

The Times

Is Spain on the brink of break-up?

BBC

BBC - World Tonight: Is Spain on the brink of break-up?

BBC

Iraq is facing its most severe crisis in years, with the country on the brink of break-up amid lightning offensives by Sunni Muslim militants.

BBC

"I've broken my body, I've gotten divorced, I've gone to the brink of completely broke so when this is done and it's a billion-dollar industry, and my kids can have any kind of lifestyle they want, it'll all be worth it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brink of breaking" to convey a sense of impending crisis or failure, whether in emotional, physical, or systemic contexts. Ensure the subject is genuinely close to collapse, not merely facing difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "brink of breaking" for situations that are challenging but not truly on the verge of collapse. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of breaking" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating proximity to a state of collapse or failure. Ludwig highlights this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brink of breaking" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe a situation nearing collapse or failure. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across news, academic, and general contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overstating the severity when using this phrase. Alternatives like "verge of collapse" or "edge of failure" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Using this data-driven analysis, writers can confidently and accurately employ "brink of breaking" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge of collapse

Focuses on the imminence of a complete breakdown.

edge of failure

Highlights the proximity to an unsuccessful outcome.

point of disintegration

Emphasizes the process of falling apart.

cusp of ruin

Draws attention to impending disaster.

precipice of destruction

Suggests a dramatic and irreversible downfall.

threshold of collapse

Highlights the crossing point into a state of breakdown.

moment of failure

Emphasizes the specific instant when something goes wrong.

brink of disintegration

Highlights the imminence of falling apart.

point of no return

Focuses on the irreversibility of the situation.

verge of falling apart

Emphasizes the gradual process of breaking down.

FAQs

How can I use "brink of breaking" in a sentence?

You can use "brink of breaking" to describe situations nearing collapse or failure. For example, "The peace treaty was on the brink of breaking due to escalating tensions."

What phrases are similar to "brink of breaking"?

Similar phrases include "verge of collapse", "edge of failure", and "point of disintegration", all suggesting a state nearing collapse.

Is it correct to say "on the brink of break" instead of "brink of breaking"?

While "brink of break" might be understood, "brink of breaking" is the more common and grammatically accepted form. "Brink of break" is frequently seen in the expression "brink of break-up".

What's the difference between "brink of breaking" and "brink of collapse"?

"Brink of breaking" suggests an imminent fracturing or failure, while "brink of collapse" specifically implies a complete and sudden breakdown. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.