edge of death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of death" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a variety of situations, such as when describing a dangerous situation or a moment of great peril. For example, "The soldier was at the edge of death as he lay collapsed on the battlefield."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I'm living on the edge of death.

The New York Times

"I have walked to the edge of death and turned and gone back the other way".

The New York Times - Sports

The experience gives you, just when you're on the edge of death, hope for something more".

The New York Times

But what I do know is that people who were on the edge of death go back to work.

The New Yorker

That even applies to programmes that say untrue things about decent men hovering on the edge of death.

The Economist

His methods have brought some impressive turnarounds, and he is quick to show scrapbooks of animals that have come back from the edge of death.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Barbara, Treadwell, 1986-2001" shows the passage of a human being from early youth to the edge of premature death.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Spirits of the Dead," his poem about the ghosts in his life, is recited first in English and then in French: "In my visions, my dead grandmother, still standing at the edge of her death, is virgin and young".

The New York Times - Arts

At night, in darkness or with moon, the ocean often seems so wide it's like it might go on forever scrolling out into itself, its body wide and deep enough to cover over every body ever living and still seem as placid from above the same breadth where every summer millions flock to burn away their off hours basking at the edge of immeasurable death.

Vice

What you are seeing, in essence, when you see a child caught up in conflict is the beginning – the very beginning, just the first faint curling at the edges – of the death of a soul.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was there in his work; he was always on that fragile edge of life and death".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "edge of death", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation of extreme danger or near-fatality to avoid misinterpretation. For example, use it to describe a medical crisis, a dangerous mission, or a life-threatening accident.

Common error

Avoid using "edge of death" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve a threat to life.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of death" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to describe a state or situation. It indicates proximity to death, suggesting a point where life is severely threatened, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "edge of death" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression in English, denoting a situation of extreme peril or near-mortality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase can be applied across diverse contexts, though it is predominantly found in news and media sources. While semantically rich, it's advisable to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases, like "brink of death" or "threshold of death", offer similar meanings with slightly varied emphasis. When employing "edge of death", ensure the context clearly indicates a life-threatening scenario. Ludwig's analysis underscores its function as a noun phrase that powerfully conveys the precariousness of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of death

Focuses on the imminence of death, similar to "edge of death".

on death's door

An idiomatic expression indicating someone is very sick or close to dying.

threshold of death

Emphasizes the point of transition to death.

between life and death

Highlights the precarious balance between living and dying.

near-death experience

Specifically refers to an experience where someone almost dies.

face to face with death

Highlights the confrontation with mortality.

in mortal danger

Emphasizes the perilousness of the situation.

point of no return

Implies a situation where recovery is unlikely, but not necessarily referring to death.

one foot in the grave

An informal way of saying someone is near death.

gravely ill

Focuses on the seriousness of the illness, implying proximity to death.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of death" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of death" to describe situations where someone is very close to dying, such as "The patient was brought back from the "edge of death" by the skilled medical team".

What phrases are similar to "edge of death"?

Similar phrases include "brink of death", "threshold of death", and "on death's door". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of nearness to death.

Is it appropriate to use "edge of death" in formal writing?

Yes, "edge of death" can be used in formal writing, particularly when describing serious or critical situations. However, be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it remains appropriate. Alternative options, such as "life-threatening condition", may be more suitable in some formal contexts.

What's the difference between "edge of death" and "near-death experience"?

"Edge of death" describes the state of being very close to dying, while "near-death experience" refers to the subjective experiences reported by people who have almost died. One describes the situation, the other describes the perception.