brink of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is very close to failing or falling apart. Example: "The company's financial situation is dire, and it is now on the brink of collapse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The auto industry was on the brink of collapse.

The New York Times

The economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.

The Economist

It was also on the brink of collapse.

The New York Times

China's housing market is on the brink of collapse.

The Guardian - Business

Is this a sector on the brink of collapse?

The Guardian

The victory dragged Thatcher's leadership from the brink of collapse.

The Guardian

The Vatican bank was on the brink of collapse.

The Guardian

The government is teetering on the brink of collapse.

The Guardian

Always on the brink of collapse, it keeps going.

The New York Times - Arts

Nissan, back from the brink of collapse, is newly energized.

The New York Times

The talks repeatedly teetered on the brink of collapse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brink of collapse" to describe situations where failure is imminent and significant consequences are likely. This phrase adds a sense of urgency and severity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "brink of collapse" for minor setbacks or temporary difficulties. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios involving major systemic failures or potential disasters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of collapse" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or within prepositional phrases. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a state of being extremely close to failure or ruin, often implying significant and widespread consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brink of collapse" is a commonly used expression to describe situations nearing failure, often with severe consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations involving significant systemic failures or potential disasters. Related phrases, such as "edge of failure" and "verge of destruction", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances. Remember to use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

edge of failure

Focuses on the potential for failure, rather than the process of collapsing.

verge of destruction

Highlights the destructive aspect of the situation, emphasizing potential devastation.

point of disintegration

Emphasizes the breaking apart and loss of cohesion.

threatened with ruin

Highlights the potential for complete and irreversible damage.

facing downfall

Suggests an impending and significant decline or failure.

on the precipice of disaster

Uses a more metaphorical and dramatic tone to indicate imminent catastrophe.

nearing its end

Focuses on the termination or conclusion of something.

about to implode

Conveys a sense of internal collapse or failure.

ready to crumble

Emphasizes the fragility and instability of the situation.

near the breaking point

Highlights the idea of reaching a limit beyond which failure is inevitable.

FAQs

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

You can use "brink of collapse" to describe a situation that is very close to failing or falling apart. For example: "The country's economy is on the "brink of collapse" due to hyperinflation."

What are some alternatives to "brink of collapse"?

You can use alternatives like "edge of failure", "verge of destruction", or "point of disintegration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "brink of collapse" in formal writing?

Yes, "brink of collapse" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious situations in economics, politics, or other significant contexts. It conveys a sense of urgency and potential disaster that is suitable for formal analysis.

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

"Brink of collapse" suggests that a complete and often catastrophic failure is imminent. "Near failure" is a more general term that indicates something is close to failing, but not necessarily with the same sense of complete and irreversible breakdown.