edge of oblivion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of oblivion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being on the brink of being forgotten or lost, often in a dramatic or poetic context. Example: "As the last remnants of the ancient civilization faded away, they found themselves teetering on the edge of oblivion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Then, 20 of 23 species teetered on the edge of oblivion.

The New York Times

The historic Great Lakes wolf did not return intact from the edge of oblivion.

The New York Times - Science

But his real story, the one that defines him, is his battle back from the edge of oblivion.

The New York Times - Sports

The news was stunning for the Giants, who had played themselves to the edge of oblivion weeks ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Page after page is an Ozymandian landscape in which grand ambitions rest at the edge of oblivion.

The New Yorker

So maybe the Lakers have found their winning formula, and they may yet return from the edge of oblivion, make the playoffs and reclaim some degree of respectability.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

One ruined, wrecked, awful feeling man tries to rescue himself from the edges of oblivion with music alone.

Vice

Wherever the dead go or don't, it is the duty of the living to get them to the edge of that oblivion.

The New York Times

But now, as the Bush administration prepares to invade Iraq, the no-flight zones sit on the edge of political oblivion, the very symbols of the idea, now scorned, that Mr. Hussein's ambitions could be contained without war.

The New York Times

Commercial returns for his recent movies Edge of Tomorrow, Oblivion and Jack Reacher were all soft, and his star presence didn't seem to do much for musical Rock of Ages.

The Guardian - Film

In 2015, a Conservative chancellor, who though he did not yet know it was on the edge of political oblivion, spelled out the creation of a northern super city.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edge of oblivion" to add a sense of drama and gravity to your writing. It's particularly effective when describing situations where something is close to being lost or forgotten forever.

Common error

Avoid using "edge of oblivion" in everyday situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios with genuine significance to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of oblivion" functions as a figurative expression, typically a noun phrase, describing a state or situation that is close to complete destruction, disappearance, or being forgotten. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "edge of oblivion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that vividly describes a state of near destruction or being forgotten. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, lending a sense of drama and significance to the subject matter. While powerful, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "brink of destruction" or "verge of collapse" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of destruction

Focuses on the destructive aspect and immediate danger of being eliminated.

verge of collapse

Emphasizes the idea of something breaking down or failing imminently.

point of no return

Highlights the irreversibility and finality of a situation.

threshold of nonexistence

More philosophical, referring to the boundary before ceasing to exist.

cusp of disappearance

Focuses on the act of vanishing or fading away completely.

precipice of doom

Emphasizes a sense of impending and inescapable disaster.

shadow of demise

Highlights the looming presence and anticipation of death or failure.

abyss of forgetfulness

Suggests being lost or completely forgotten over time.

jaws of annihilation

Presents a more aggressive image of being completely wiped out.

realm of obscurity

Indicates a descent into a state of being unknown and unnoticed.

FAQs

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

You can use "edge of oblivion" to describe something that is close to being forgotten, destroyed, or lost. For instance, "The ancient language was on the edge of oblivion until dedicated linguists revived it."

What phrases are similar to "edge of oblivion"?

Similar phrases include "brink of destruction", "verge of collapse", or "point of no return", all indicating a state of imminent loss or failure.

Is "edge of oblivion" a formal or informal expression?

"Edge of oblivion" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression, often used in literature, news reporting, and academic writing to convey a serious or dramatic tone.

When is it appropriate to use "edge of oblivion"?

It's appropriate when describing situations where something significant is at risk of being completely lost or forgotten. Avoid using it in trivial contexts to maintain its impact.