nearing a breakdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearing a breakdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is approaching a state of failure or collapse, often due to stress or pressure. Example: "After weeks of relentless work and no rest, she felt like she was nearing a breakdown."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The chief executive of that network, in turn, freely admits that he purposely did not consult with the governor when the system neared a breakdown in mid-December.

The New York Times

As a single mom carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, I was nearing a mental breakdown.

Huffington Post

I begged my parents to let me just stay on the regular math track as I feared I was nearing a nervous breakdown.

Los Angeles Times

After three years, he sensed that he was near a breakdown, and he started to think about ways to take care of himself.

The New Yorker

With California hovering near a breakdown in its electricity supply system in recent weeks, and with Northwest suppliers under orders by the federal government to ship power south, the decision to curtail electricity-intensive industries like aluminum producers is not irrational, federal power planners say.

The New York Times

"I remember moments where I damn near had a breakdown.

The New Yorker

For months after the second marriage debacle, Kardashian says she stopped Googling herself, as near to a breakdown a member of that family can get.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Rebecca, Fontaine is tempted to take her own life because she is made to feel unworthy of her husband (although he proves to be a lying murderer); in Suspicion she comes near to a breakdown because she believes that her husband (Cary Grant) is trying to murder her.

The Guardian - Film

He hated Charterhouse school, where he was mercilessly bullied: "I came near a nervous breakdown".

The Guardian - Books

"At first, I felt confident it would be fine, but it did get to the point," Ms. Golden said later, "when I was near a nervous breakdown".

The New York Times

I was near a nervous breakdown".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearing a breakdown" to describe situations where someone or something is progressively approaching a critical point of failure, whether emotional, mental, or systemic. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is "nearing" the breakdown.

Common error

Avoid using "nearing a breakdown" when the situation is already in a state of complete collapse. The phrase implies an ongoing process, not a completed event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearing a breakdown" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that a person, system, or entity is approaching a state of collapse or failure. It sets the stage for an imminent event, highlighting a state of progressive decline towards a critical point. It accurately signals the direction of something's evolution towards a breaking point. Ludwig provides examples showing its flexibility in both mental and physical contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nearing a breakdown" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes the state of approaching a point of failure or collapse. While it is versatile and can be applied across various contexts, its usage is nuanced and implies an ongoing process rather than a completed event. Semantically related alternatives include "on the verge of collapse" and "approaching a breaking point". When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly defines what is approaching the breakdown and to avoid using it when the breakdown has already occurred. Due to the lack of examples, usage contexts and frequency remain undefined but it is suitable for various contexts, it maintains a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of failure or breakdown.

approaching a breaking point

Highlights the idea of reaching a critical threshold.

almost at the breaking point

Highlights the proximity to a critical failure.

close to losing it

An informal way of saying someone is about to have an emotional breakdown.

close to snapping

Similar to 'about to crack', implying an imminent and abrupt breakdown.

about to crack

Implies a sudden and forceful breakdown.

near the end of one's rope

Suggests a feeling of helplessness and desperation before a breakdown.

at wit's end

Indicates a state of mental exhaustion and inability to cope.

on the brink of mental exhaustion

Specifically refers to mental fatigue and impending breakdown.

verging on hysteria

Describes a state of extreme emotional agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "nearing a breakdown" in a sentence?

You can use "nearing a breakdown" to describe someone or something approaching a state of collapse. For example, "After weeks of relentless work, she was nearing a breakdown".

What are some alternatives to "nearing a breakdown"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of collapse", "approaching a breaking point", or /s/close+to+losing+it depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "nearing a breakdown" in formal writing?

Yes, but consider the tone of your piece. While grammatically correct, alternatives like "approaching a breaking point" may be more suitable for certain formal contexts.

What's the difference between "nearing a breakdown" and "having a breakdown"?

"Nearing a breakdown" indicates an impending state, while "having a breakdown" means the event is already occurring. For example, someone "nearing a breakdown" might be showing signs of stress, but someone "having a breakdown" is actively experiencing a collapse.