driven to the edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"driven to the edge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a person or situation that has been pushed to the limits of their endurance. For example, "The employee had been driven to the edge of exhaustion by their demanding job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Science

Arts

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

So people are being driven to the edge".

The Guardian

"I have been driven to the edge by parental alienation for many years now".

The New York Times

Admittedly the PM had been driven to the edge of his reason by the shadow chancellor.

The Guardian

That person is gone today, driven to the edge by what a decent society would only call bullying.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within a few moves, Mr. Topalov's king had been driven to the edge of the board and cornered.

The New York Times

If Dr. Brunvand is right, some future Jason might not only survive but also not be driven to the edge by the treatment itself.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Against a rising tide of poverty, and as young people in some of the UK's most deprived boroughs become even more driven to the edges of society, Walmsley is using his experiences to get teenagers off Liverpool's gangbuster treadmill.

Vice

Jason Kidd drove to the edge of the lane and successfully pump-faked Chauncey Billups.

The New York Times - Sports

More pedestrian-friendly zones proliferate, even if one has to drive to the edge of them and park the car.

The New York Times - Magazine

This time, he drove to the edge of the lane, spun around and fired the ball into traffic, where West batted it and Hill retrieved it.

The New York Times - Sports

They then drove to the edge of the floodwater surrounding the cut-off village of Muchelney before heading back to report to senior officers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "driven to the edge" to vividly describe situations where stress, pressure, or other negative forces have pushed someone or something close to a breaking point. It adds emotional weight and highlights the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "driven to the edge" for minor inconveniences or everyday stressors. This phrase carries a strong connotation of extreme pressure and can sound exaggerated if applied to trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven to the edge" functions as a descriptive prepositional phrase, often used to indicate that a person, situation, or even a species has been pushed near its breaking point. As Ludwig AI states, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Film

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Arts

4%

Health

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "driven to the edge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where someone or something is nearing a breaking point due to immense pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase for written English. The phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts, conveying urgency and stress. While it’s appropriate for formal writing, it should be used judiciously to avoid exaggeration. Alternative phrases like "pushed to the brink" or "at the end of one's rope" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor issues to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushed to the brink

Emphasizes being very close to a breaking point; implies a precarious situation.

brought to the breaking point

Highlights the action of an external force causing someone to reach their limit.

at the end of one's rope

Indicates a loss of patience and an inability to cope with difficulties.

under immense pressure

Focuses on the stress and strain experienced, without necessarily implying a breaking point.

pushed to the limit

Similar to "driven to the edge" but focuses more on physical or mental limits.

on the verge of collapse

Implies a state of near failure or breakdown, often in a more literal sense.

at wit's end

Suggests a state of confusion and frustration, often due to a lack of solutions.

stressed to the max

Informal way to describe being under extreme stress.

in despair

Emphasizes hopelessness and loss of courage.

facing obliteration

This is an hyperbolic way to describe a situation when something/someone is under extreme stress.

FAQs

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

You can use "driven to the edge" to describe a person, animal or entity when they are pushed near their limits. For example, "The constant bullying drove him to the edge." or "The species was driven to the edge of extinction".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "driven to the edge"?

If you're looking for a less intense alternative, consider phrases like "under pressure" or "stressed". These options convey stress without implying a complete breakdown.

Is "driven to the edge" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "driven to the edge" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious situations or events. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall context of your piece.

What is the difference between "driven to the edge" and "on the brink"?

"Driven to the edge" implies an external force is acting upon the person or entity, while "on the brink" suggests that the entity is nearing the point of collapse or failure themselves, regardless of external influences.