close to falling

USAGE SUMMARY

"close to falling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where something or someone is nearly in a state of falling or collapse. Example: The stack of books was close to falling off the shelf. Alternative expressions include "about to fall" and "nearly falling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That bargain is perilously close to falling apart.

The Guardian - Money

The Jets came close to falling apart last week.

The New York Times - Sports

Like the electoral system, it is close to falling to bits.

The Economist

But that does not mean the regime is anywhere close to falling.

The Economist

Then, he watched Lehman come perilously close to falling apart in a divisive power struggle.

The Economist

In fact, he comes close to falling flat on his face.

The New York Times - Books

●The Aleppo International Airport, southeast of the city, is close to falling.

The Washington Post

Indeed, it looks dangerously close to falling on its smiley face.

The New York Times

Richie, outside Patrick's apartment: "I am this close to falling in love with you.… And I don't think you're ready".

The New Yorker

In a notable technical move, the S.& P. 500 came close to falling below its 50-day moving average.

The New York Times

An absolutely vital game for us, with the wheels close to falling off - but Spurs should win.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to falling", consider the specific context to ensure the imagery aligns with the intended meaning. For instance, use it for physical objects, abstract systems, or emotional states to highlight their precariousness.

Common error

Avoid using "close to falling" to describe situations where the fall or failure has already occurred. This phrase implies a state of imminence, not completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to falling" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of near collapse or failure. It conveys that something is on the verge of declining or becoming unstable, like in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to falling" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is near collapse or failure. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While similar phrases such as "on the verge of collapsing" and "about to topple" can be used as alternatives, it's crucial to consider the nuances of each phrase to best fit the specific context. To avoid misuse, remember that "close to falling" describes a state of imminence, not a completed event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapsing

Emphasizes the imminence of a structure or system failing.

nearing its downfall

Focuses on the approaching end or failure of something, especially a regime or organization.

on the brink of failure

Highlights the precariousness and potential for imminent failure.

about to topple

Suggests an imminent loss of balance or stability.

near collapse

A more concise way of expressing the proximity to a state of collapse.

on the edge of ruin

Emphasizes the potential for complete destruction or devastation.

approaching failure

Highlights the ongoing progression toward a state of failure.

in danger of failing

Directly states the risk or possibility of failure.

verging on disaster

Implies a situation that is rapidly approaching a catastrophic outcome.

almost failing

Indicates a near miss, with failure narrowly avoided.

FAQs

How can I use "close to falling" in a sentence?

You can use "close to falling" to describe something that is nearly collapsing or failing. For example, "The old building was "close to falling" due to neglect."

What are some alternatives to "close to falling"?

Alternatives to "close to falling" include phrases like "on the verge of collapsing", "on the brink of failure", or "about to topple", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "closer to falling" instead of "close to falling"?

While "closer to falling" is grammatically correct, it implies a progression towards falling, whereas ""close to falling"" suggests a state of near collapse at a specific moment.

What's the difference between "close to falling" and "about to fall"?

Both phrases indicate imminence, but ""close to falling"" often suggests a gradual process leading to potential collapse, while "about to fall" implies a more immediate and sudden event.