brink of tears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of tears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being very close to crying, often due to strong emotions such as sadness or frustration. Example: "After hearing the heartbreaking news, she was on the brink of tears, struggling to hold back her emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She often appeared on the brink of tears.

The New York Times - Sports

Kavanaugh has me on the brink of tears.

The Washington Post

My wife was on the brink of tears and the blokes ran off laughing.

The Guardian - Sport

Suddenly, up there over the midwest, I felt agitated and flinchy, on the brink of tears.

The Guardian - Books

I have to admit, I was on the brink of tears.

The Guardian - Music

"And the baby squirrels " She squeals with tenderness, on the brink of tears.

The New York Times

We see Isra'a, normally so upbeat, on the brink of tears as her parents argue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Six women paced the stage, fists clenched, eyes watering, on the brink of tears, or possibly murder.

The New York Times - Arts

She says quietly: 'You are going to make me cry.' She could be on the brink of tears.

The Guardian - Film

He looked on the brink of tears of gratitude and joy, staggering around with his hand over his face.

The Guardian - Sport

Stories were told of grown men switching on their radios, hearing that new cry from a familiar voice, and being stirred to the brink of tears.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brink of tears" to effectively convey a character's emotional state, suggesting a powerful, almost overwhelming feeling of sadness or vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "brink of tears" excessively, as it can create a melodramatic tone. Instead, consider using more subtle descriptions of emotional distress to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of tears" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, describing a state of being very close to crying. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common use in depicting intense emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brink of tears" is a common and effective way to describe someone who is very close to crying, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is primarily adverbial, modifying verbs or adjectives to convey a state of emotional vulnerability. While the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, overuse can lead to melodrama. Alternatives like "on the verge of tears" and "close to tears" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Ludwig’s analysis, based on numerous examples, demonstrates the phrase's consistent usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of tears

This alternative closely mirrors the original phrase, emphasizing the imminence of crying.

on the point of crying

Similar to "on the verge", this phrase highlights the specific moment just before tears are shed.

close to tears

This phrase is slightly less intense than "brink of tears", indicating a nearness to crying without the sense of being on the edge.

near tears

A more concise way of saying "close to tears", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

about to cry

This phrase directly states the intention or likelihood of crying, focusing on the action itself.

fighting back tears

This alternative emphasizes the effort to suppress crying, adding a layer of emotional struggle.

holding back tears

Similar to "fighting back tears", but with a focus on restraint rather than active struggle.

with tears in one's eyes

This describes the physical manifestation of sadness, with tears already present but not yet falling.

a lump in one's throat

This refers to the physical sensation often associated with sadness and the urge to cry.

heart heavy with sorrow

A more metaphorical expression describing deep sadness, though not necessarily indicating imminent tears.

FAQs

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

You can use "brink of tears" to describe someone who is very close to crying due to strong emotions. For example: "After hearing the news, she was on the brink of tears."

What's a similar expression to "brink of tears"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of tears", "close to tears", or "about to cry".

Is "brink of tears" a formal or informal expression?

"Brink of tears" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive writing and narrative.

What emotions does "brink of tears" typically describe?

While primarily associated with sadness, "brink of tears" can also describe being overwhelmed by joy, relief, or frustration.