near the breaking point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "near the breaking point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or a person that is close to a state of crisis or extreme stress. Example: "After weeks of relentless work and pressure, she felt she was near the breaking point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

One article noted that "depletion has been carried to such an extent that the practitioners are brought very near the breaking point," (BMJ, 11/2/1918).

Stanford University

During the December 2011 to March 2012 "anyone but Putin" phase, he learned that a 60percentt approval rating was near the breaking point and could not risk that again.

Forbes

The tremor and verge of tears in Streisand's voice throughout indicates a stellar actress at work playing a character truly near the breaking point.

Huffington Post

"I fear the rubber band is near the breaking point," one internal e-mail said.

The New Yorker

Relations between the two men, which have always been strained, are near the breaking point.

The New York Times

"Now our income advantage is disappearing, pushing some families near the breaking point," the report says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Think of the expansive headline on The Wall Street Journal's article on passengers trapped on a Northwest flight: "Frozen Northwest: 'I'm opening a door!' 'No, no, don't do it!' 'How about a valium?' "Tension on a crowded plane nears the breaking point as it festers, snowbound — A call to Mr. and Mrs. C.E.O".

The New York Times

With many of these stock markets having experienced tremendous price appreciation since the start of 2003– iShares MSCI Mexico Index is up over 300%, Templeton Russia & East Europe Fund has climbed about 275%, India Fund has returned nearly 300% and iShares MSCI Brazil Index is up over 500%–it was our view that risks were nearing the breaking point.

Forbes

1 2 3 Lengthening waiting times and associated crowding have led the Institute of Medicine to describe American emergency departments as "nearing the breaking point".

British Medical Journal

The nrdD of Aeromonas phages phiAS4 and 25 share 97% overall nucleotide identity with noticeable gaps near the breaking points of the nrdD split gene in phiAS4.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

For Ms. Gardot, 24, who is appearing Thursday in a sold-out show at the Highline Ballroom with three musicians, the breaking point was a near-fatal accident in 2003, when she was struck by a Jeep Cherokee making an illegal left turn while she was riding her bike in Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "near the breaking point" to describe situations, relationships, or individuals experiencing immense strain or pressure, suggesting a high risk of failure or collapse. For emphasis, precede it with adverbs like 'dangerously' or 'increasingly'.

Common error

Avoid using "near the breaking point" in trivial situations. It's a strong phrase best reserved for contexts involving significant stress, risk, or potential for negative outcomes, maintaining its impact and avoiding hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near the breaking point" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun or situation that is approaching a state of crisis or potential failure. It suggests that something is under severe strain and is on the verge of collapse, breakdown, or an inability to continue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "near the breaking point" effectively conveys that something is under significant strain and approaching a state of crisis or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "on the verge of collapse" or "at the limit of endurance" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember, it's a modifier, describing nouns or situations that need emphasis due to their precariousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Approaching a breaking point

A more literal alternative, directly indicating the imminence of a breaking point.

On the verge of collapse

Focuses on the imminent possibility of failure or breakdown.

At the limit of endurance

Emphasizes the exhaustion of one's ability to withstand hardship.

On the brink

Short and impactful, suggesting being very close to a significant event, often negative.

Close to the edge

Suggests a precarious position where a slight push could lead to disaster.

About to snap

Implies sudden and forceful breaking under pressure.

Stretched to the limit

Highlights the extent to which resources or abilities have been utilized.

At the end of one's rope

Conveys a sense of desperation and having exhausted all options.

Reaching a critical juncture

Indicates a decisive moment that will determine future outcomes.

In a state of crisis

Highlights a situation of intense difficulty or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "near the breaking point" in a sentence?

You can use "near the breaking point" to describe a situation that is about to collapse or fail due to extreme pressure. For example, "The negotiations were "near the breaking point" after weeks of disagreement".

What are some alternatives to "near the breaking point"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of collapse", "at the limit of endurance", or "close to the edge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "near the breaking point" in formal writing?

Yes, "near the breaking point" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing serious or critical situations. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong phrase.

What's the difference between "near the breaking point" and "at the breaking point"?

"Near the breaking point" suggests that a situation is approaching a critical state but hasn't reached it yet, while "at the breaking point" indicates that the situation has already reached that critical state and is about to fail.