on the brink of developing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the brink of developing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is very close to being created or coming into existence. Example: "The researchers are on the brink of developing a groundbreaking vaccine that could change the course of medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If Washington knows that Mr. Hussein is on the brink of developing nuclear weapons, Mr. Bush should provide evidence.

The New York Times

Professor Geoff Hinton, who was hired by Google two years ago to help develop intelligent operating systems, said that the company is on the brink of developing algorithms with the capacity for logic, natural conversation and even flirtation.

The Guardian

Cyprus in fact has a public debt to GDP ratio that is below the European average, features a low tax rate that attracts an enviable amount of foreign investment, and with the recent discovery of significant deposits of natural gas in its Exclusive Economic Zone, stands on the brink of developing yet another major industry.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though we were just a forty-minute drive from the city, everywhere you looked there were old factories, low piles of rubble, industrial-waste dumps, half-deserted farm villages on the brink of being bulldozed and "developed".

The New Yorker

As MLS appeared to be on the brink of overall profitability in 2006 and developed significant expansion plans, MLS announced that it wanted each club to have a distinct operator.

Wikipedia

For a story that involves a kidnapping and a developing country on the brink of civil war, the novel is surprisingly light, reaching the heights of melodrama without the gravitas of sociopolitical realism.

The New York Times - Books

At minus 10% net federal saving, the U.S. is now at a level of dissaving typically associated with a developing country on the brink of a debt and currency crisis.

Harvard Business Review

With the U.S. economy struggling to expand and Europe on the brink of recession, fast-growing markets in the developing world offer the best opportunities for boosting revenues and profits today.

Harvard Business Review

But we are now on the brink of a new era as machines are developed to enter more sensitive areas of our lives - everything from hospital surgeries to our homes to care for the elderly.

BBC

When the International Monetary Fund warned earlier this month that pensions systems across the developed world were on the brink of collapse, MPs were stung into action.

The Guardian - Business

These three locations represent a developing nation, a province on the brink of war, and an advanced nation, respectively.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the brink of developing" to convey a sense of anticipation and imminence. It's suitable when something is nearly ready to begin its development phase.

Common error

Avoid using "on the brink of developing" if the development process is only in preliminary stages or far from starting. This phrase suggests near-term commencement, so ensure the context aligns with that level of readiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the brink of developing" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is very close to starting its development. It suggests a state of readiness or imminence, often implying anticipation or excitement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the brink of developing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that suggests something is very close to starting its development phase. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used to convey a sense of anticipation and imminence. While it can be used in various contexts, it is more commonly found in news, media, and academic sources. Related phrases like "on the verge of developing" and "about to develop" can be used as alternatives to add variety to writing. However, it's essential to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the development process is indeed near commencement to avoid overstating the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of developing

Indicates a very close state to starting the development process, maintaining a similar sense of immediacy.

on the point of developing

Emphasizes the precise moment before development begins, closely mirroring the original phrase.

about to develop

Suggests an imminent start to development, slightly less formal than "on the brink of developing".

on the threshold of developing

Represents the metaphor of crossing a threshold to start developing, very similar to "on the brink of developing".

on the cusp of developing

Implies being at a turning point right before starting development; a slightly more metaphorical expression.

nearing the development stage

Highlights the approach of development, focusing on the stage rather than the immediacy.

set to develop

Highlights a planned or scheduled start of development, adding a sense of intention or arrangement.

in the initial stages of developing

Describes the early phases of development, emphasizing commencement rather than imminence.

approaching development

Focuses on the action of getting closer to development, removing the sense of immediate readiness.

on the horizon of developing

More figuratively suggests development is coming into view, less direct and immediate.

FAQs

What does "on the brink of developing" mean?

The phrase "on the brink of developing" signifies that something is very close to beginning its development phase. It conveys a sense of imminence and anticipation.

What can I say instead of "on the brink of developing"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of developing", "about to develop", or "nearing the development stage" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "on the brink of developing" formal or informal?

"On the brink of developing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is slightly more common in formal writing, especially in news and business contexts.

How to use "on the brink of developing" in a sentence?

Use "on the brink of developing" to describe a situation where something is nearly starting its development process, for example, "The company is on the brink of developing a new product line.".