brink of catastrophe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of catastrophe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is very close to a disastrous outcome or event. Example: "The company was on the brink of catastrophe after the major data breach, prompting immediate action to secure their systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are on the brink of catastrophe".

Independent

Other councils are on the brink of catastrophe.

The Guardian

After all, the whole world's on the brink of catastrophe.

The New York Times - Books

Ignoring Cuba's insecurities 50 years ago pushed the world to the brink of catastrophe.

The New York Times

President Obama's approach on Iran has brought a bad situation to the brink of catastrophe.

The New York Times

The already severe humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka is on the brink of catastrophe.

The New York Times

No surprise there: showbiz has always teetered on the brink of catastrophe.

The Guardian - Opinion

A decade-long recession pushed the island to the brink of catastrophe, and Maria pushed it over.

The Washington Post

We are on the brink of catastrophe but the solution to the climate crisis cannot be left to governments alone..

The Guardian

After all, a lot of people came to believe that we were on the brink of catastrophe — and these views were given extraordinary reach by the mass media.

The New York Times

On the brink of catastrophe late last year, the European Central Bank stepped in to address this link, but in a temporary and half-hearted way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact of "brink of catastrophe", pair it with vivid imagery or concrete examples of the potential consequences. This helps readers visualize the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "brink of catastrophe" in situations that are merely challenging or difficult. The phrase should be reserved for scenarios involving genuine, significant danger and potentially irreversible negative outcomes, not as a hyperbolic description of everyday problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of catastrophe" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes a state of being close to a calamitous event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brink of catastrophe" is a powerful expression used to describe a situation on the verge of disastrous consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While alternatives like "edge of disaster" and "verge of collapse" exist, "brink of catastrophe" effectively conveys a sense of urgency and impending doom. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly defines the looming catastrophe and avoid overusing it in less serious scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

edge of disaster

Focuses on the disastrous outcome, emphasizing the proximity to calamity.

verge of collapse

Highlights the potential for a system or entity to break down completely.

point of no return

Emphasizes that the situation has reached a critical stage where reversal is impossible.

precipice of ruin

Stresses the potential for complete devastation and downfall.

cusp of disaster

Similar to "brink", indicating close proximity to a negative outcome.

threat of devastation

Emphasizes the impending danger and potential for widespread destruction.

imminent collapse

Highlights the urgency and nearness of a system's failure.

impending doom

Conveys a sense of unavoidable and catastrophic fate.

critical juncture

Focuses on the decisiveness of the moment and the potential for significant negative consequences.

height of peril

Emphasizes the extreme danger and risk associated with the current situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "brink of catastrophe" in a sentence?

Use "brink of catastrophe" to describe situations where a disastrous outcome is highly probable and imminent. For instance, "The ecosystem is on the "brink of catastrophe" due to deforestation."

What are some alternatives to using "brink of catastrophe"?

You can use alternatives like "edge of disaster", "verge of collapse", or "point of no return" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "brink of catastrophe" too dramatic for formal writing?

While "brink of catastrophe" is a strong phrase, it's appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a dire situation. Consider the audience and purpose to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "brink of catastrophe" and "state of emergency"?

"Brink of catastrophe" describes an impending disaster, whereas "state of emergency" refers to a declared situation allowing special measures to be taken. The former is a condition, the latter is a formal declaration.