on the verge of strangulation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of strangulation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is close to being choked or suffocated, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The tension in the room was so thick that I felt like I was on the verge of strangulation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He seemed on the verge of strangulation".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

More than one person was on the verge of tears.

The New Yorker

Are we on the verge of one now?

Forbes

It was on the verge of cohering.

The New York Times

It's on the verge of insanity.

The New Yorker

Arthur seemed on the verge of resurrection.

The New York Times

You're on the verge of despair.

The New Yorker

Worley seemed on the verge of panicking.

The New Yorker

They were on the verge of it".

The New York Times

He was on the verge of tears.

Independent

She was on the verge of suicide.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the verge of strangulation" to vividly describe situations where someone is literally being choked or, metaphorically, experiencing extreme pressure or restriction. Ensure the context aligns with this intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of strangulation" to describe minor inconveniences or slight discomfort. This phrase carries a strong connotation of intense pressure and near-suffocation, and misusing it can diminish its impact and appear hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of strangulation" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to depict a state of being extremely close to being strangled or, metaphorically, experiencing intense suppression or pressure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the verge of strangulation" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe being close to being strangled or, metaphorically, experiencing intense pressure or restriction. While relatively rare, Ludwig AI confirms its usability, primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies its intensity and avoid overusing it in mild situations. Related phrases include "nearing suffocation" and "on the verge of suffocation" which provide similar vivid imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of suffocation

Similar in structure, but replaces "strangulation" with the more general term "suffocation".

nearing suffocation

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of being close to not being able to breathe.

on the brink of asphyxiation

Uses a more formal term for suffocation, emphasizing the medical aspect.

about to be choked

More direct and literal, emphasizing the act of choking.

close to choking

A shorter, more informal way of expressing the same idea.

experiencing intense pressure

Shifts the focus to the feeling of pressure, which can be related to strangulation in a figurative sense.

feeling suffocated

Emphasizes the feeling of being restricted and unable to breathe freely.

under extreme duress

Highlights the stressful and oppressive situation that might lead to a feeling of being strangled metaphorically.

at breaking point

Indicates being close to collapse or failure due to overwhelming pressure, similar to the figurative sense of strangulation.

on the edge of collapse

Suggests an impending breakdown, which can be a consequence of feeling strangled or overwhelmed.

FAQs

How can "on the verge of strangulation" be used in a sentence?

You can use "on the verge of strangulation" to describe a literal situation, such as "The victim was found "on the verge of strangulation"". It can also be used metaphorically to describe feeling overwhelmed or suppressed.

What are some alternatives to "on the verge of strangulation"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "nearing suffocation", "on the verge of suffocation", or "under extreme duress".

When is it appropriate to use "on the verge of strangulation" metaphorically?

Use it metaphorically when you want to convey a sense of extreme pressure, restriction, or suppression. For example, "The company felt "on the verge of strangulation" due to the new regulations".

Is "on the verge of strangulation" a formal or informal expression?

"On the verge of strangulation" is a relatively strong and vivid expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts where you want to emphasize the intensity of a situation.