close to the edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to the edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is precarious or on the verge of a critical point. Example: "The company is close to the edge of bankruptcy if they don't secure new funding soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now she sounds close to the edge.

Independent

Are we this close to the edge?

Independent

(He's standing too close to the edge).

The New Yorker

"It's close to the edge of significance".

The New Yorker

Are you close to the edge?

The Guardian

Everyone wants to live "out there close to the edge".

The New Yorker

Sometimes, however, that means skating close to the edge.

The New York Times

Keep me close to the edge, where everything wild begins".

The New York Times - Books

We both knew we'd come pretty close to the edge.

Independent

"It's close to the edge of my tolerance," he said.

The New York Times

Families are living very close to the edge economically.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to the edge" to convey a sense of imminence or risk, particularly when describing situations that are on the verge of significant change or potential failure. For instance, 'The company is "close to the edge" of bankruptcy' effectively communicates the severity of their financial state.

Common error

Avoid using "close to the edge" when the situation is merely challenging but not critically dangerous. Overusing it dilutes its impact and may misrepresent the actual level of risk involved. Choose a less dramatic phrase if the circumstances aren't truly precarious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to the edge" functions as a prepositional phrase often used adverbially or adjectivally to modify a noun or verb, indicating proximity to a limit, boundary, or critical point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to the edge" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe situations nearing a critical point. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the analysis reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources. It effectively conveys a sense of urgency and risk, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's essential to use it accurately to avoid overstating the actual level of risk. Alternatives like "on the brink" or "on the verge" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its proper usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink

Indicates being very near to a significant or dangerous event.

on the verge

Similar to 'on the brink', suggesting imminent occurrence.

near the limit

Implies approaching or reaching a boundary or restriction.

at the critical point

Emphasizes the importance and potential danger of the current stage.

approaching the breaking point

Highlights the stress or pressure leading to a potential collapse.

in a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

skating on thin ice

Suggests engaging in risky behavior with potential negative consequences.

walking a tightrope

Implies carefully navigating a challenging or risky situation.

pushing the boundaries

Indicates testing limits or exceeding established norms.

nearing the deadline

Specifically refers to approaching a time limit for completion or action.

FAQs

How can I use "close to the edge" in a sentence?

You can use "close to the edge" to describe situations or conditions that are unstable and nearing a critical point, such as "The team's performance is "close to the edge", and they need to improve to avoid losing the championship."

What are some alternatives to "close to the edge"?

Some alternatives include "on the brink", "on the verge", or "near the limit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "close to the edge" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing critical situations in business, politics, or finance. However, ensure the context warrants the level of intensity the phrase implies.

What's the difference between "close to the edge" and "skating on thin ice"?

"Close to the edge" generally describes a situation nearing a critical point, while "skating on thin ice" suggests risky behavior that could lead to negative consequences. The latter implies a deliberate action with potential danger.