on the brink of breaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the brink of breaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It means that someone or something is close to going beyond the point of no return, or very close to collapse or destruction. For example, you could say: "The old bridge was on the brink of breaking, so it had to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

But we're teetering on the brink of breaking even".

The New York Times

Again his voice was on the brink of breaking up.

The Guardian

He gave warning that several countries seemed to be on the brink of breaking the pact's rules.

The Economist

On the brink of breaking point, Domme's back to peel me as you would a melted Easter egg.

The Guardian - Travel

The latest would-be championship preview pits the Packers, who have spent three seasons on the brink of breaking out, against the Other Leading Brand.

The New York Times

Today, Spain is on the brink of breaking apart – with Catalonia dominating the news because of its strong push for independence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Is Spain on the brink of break-up?

BBC

BBC - World Tonight: Is Spain on the brink of break-up?

BBC

Iraq is facing its most severe crisis in years, with the country on the brink of break-up amid lightning offensives by Sunni Muslim militants.

BBC

Throughout 1917 and 1918, each front seemed on the brink of collapse, each nation seemed about to break, and each army seemed primed to break through.

The New Yorker

In the second set of their match on Court 2, Cibuklova was on the brink of being broken on her serve when there was a commotion in the seats behind the changeover chairs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the brink of breaking" to describe situations where something is about to fail, collapse, or reach a critical point. Be specific about what is "on the brink" to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "on the brink of breaking" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "on the verge of collapse" or "nearing the breaking point" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the brink of breaking" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause. It indicates a state of being extremely close to a critical point, often implying potential failure or collapse. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, reinforcing this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the brink of breaking" effectively conveys a sense of impending failure or collapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is common, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader engagement. The phrase serves to emphasize precariousness, warn, highlight urgency, or underscore the potential for negative consequences and fits within a neutral to formal register. Alternatives such as "on the verge of collapse" and "nearing the breaking point", provide nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes impending failure or breakdown.

nearing the breaking point

Focuses on the imminence of reaching a critical limit.

about to shatter

Suggests a sudden and forceful fragmentation.

on the point of disintegration

Highlights a gradual process of falling apart.

close to falling apart

Implies emotional or structural instability.

on the edge of ruin

Highlights potential for complete devastation or failure.

on the precipice of breaking

on the cusp of breaking

on the brink of crushing

on the brink of dissolution

on the brink of disruption

on the brink of demolition

on the brink of breakdown

on the brink of quitting

on the brink of ending

on the brink of collapsing

on the brink of completing

on the point of breaking

on the brink of becoming

on the brink of losing

on the brink of having

on the brink of rupturing

on the brink of bursting

on the brink of leaving

Show more...

FAQs

How can I use "on the brink of breaking" in a sentence?

Use "on the brink of breaking" to describe a situation that is very close to collapse or failure. For example: "The ceasefire is "on the brink of breaking" due to escalating violence."

What are some synonyms for "on the brink of breaking"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of collapse", "nearing the breaking point", and "about to shatter". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "on the brink of breaking" or "about to break"?

"On the brink of breaking" suggests a higher level of imminence and potential for failure compared to "about to break". The former implies a more precarious and critical situation.

What does it mean when something is described as "on the brink of breaking"?

It means that the subject in question is extremely close to failing, collapsing, or reaching a point where it can no longer function or sustain itself.