close to suicide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to suicide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing mental health, emotional distress, or situations where someone is feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. Example: "After months of feeling isolated and hopeless, she admitted that she was close to suicide and needed help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I've been close to suicide," he says.

The Guardian - Books

Her Hester is desperately needy, almost pathetic, close to suicide.

The New Yorker

Hesketh was close to suicide for months afterward.

The New York Times - Books

Returned to his cell guilt-ridden and despondent, he came close to suicide.

The New Yorker

Both he and his wife, Mici, were seriously ill and Teller himself came close to suicide.

The Guardian

In retrospect, since it pushed him close to suicide, it seems a little insensitive.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Anger: A common reaction for those close to suicides.

University of California, Berkeley

"And there was just a slight slacking off of the intensity that there was in [episodes] 1 to 5. I think we all kind of thought, Where are we heading with this?" The turning point for Harewood came when Carrie interrogated Brody and got him to admit that he had come this close to suicide-bombing the vice-president and a room full of senior officials.

Huffington Post

Jesus Christ did not promote edging children closer to suicide.

Huffington Post

The overall picture arising from our results seemed to reinforce the notion that filicide as a phenomenon is closer to suicide than it is to the average homicide.

BMC Psychiatry

Due to its close connection to suicide attempts, suicidal ideation was excluded from regression analysis.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to suicide", ensure the context provides necessary sensitivity and support. Offer resources like helpline numbers or mental health services if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "close to suicide" lightly or in contexts that trivialize mental health struggles. It's a serious phrase that should be used with respect and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to suicide" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of being near the act of ending one's own life. It often serves to highlight the severity of someone's mental or emotional distress, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to suicide" is a common expression used to describe someone experiencing intense suicidal thoughts or feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media contexts, reflecting its role in reporting and discussing mental health issues. Given its serious nature, it's crucial to use the phrase with sensitivity, offering support and resources where possible. Alternatives include "on the brink of suicide" and "near suicidal". When writing about this topic, avoid casual or trivializing language, and always prioritize respect and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of suicide

Emphasizes the imminence of a suicide attempt.

near suicidal

A more concise way to describe the state of being close to suicide.

contemplating suicide

Focuses on the act of thinking seriously about suicide.

having suicidal thoughts

Highlights the presence of thoughts related to ending one's life.

in a suicidal state

Describes the overall condition or state of mind.

feeling suicidal

Focuses on the emotional experience of suicidal feelings.

at the end of one's rope

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme distress and hopelessness.

in despair

Highlights the deep sense of hopelessness and loss of hope.

overwhelmed by suicidal urges

Focuses on the intensity and power of the suicidal feelings.

struggling with suicidal ideation

Emphasizes the ongoing battle with suicidal thoughts.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to suicide" to describe someone who is experiencing intense suicidal thoughts or feelings. For example: "After losing his job and his family, he felt "close to suicide"."

What are some alternative phrases for "close to suicide"?

Alternatives include "on the brink of suicide", "near suicidal", or "contemplating suicide". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "close to suicide" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate as long as it is used with sensitivity and in a context where discussing mental health struggles is relevant and necessary. Ensure the tone is respectful and informative.

What should I do if someone tells me they are "close to suicide"?

Take them seriously, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek professional help immediately. Provide resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or a crisis text line.