the brink of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the brink of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a point just before a significant change or event, often implying a critical or dangerous situation. Example: "The country was on the brink of economic collapse due to the ongoing crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The brink of what?

The New Yorker

"They're on the brink of disaster.

The New Yorker

Chicago is on the brink of elimination.

The New York Times - Sports

They stand on the brink of life.

The New York Times - Arts

"Standing at the brink of history?

The New York Times - Sports

Europe is on the brink of recession.

The Economist

We are on the brink of catastrophe".

Independent

G rale was "on the brink of disaster".

The New York Times

Israel Is on the Brink of Disaster.

The New York Times

We're on the brink of wasting it.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're on the brink of the abyss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the brink of" to emphasize a critical moment before a significant change or event. This phrase adds weight to the situation and conveys a sense of urgency or importance.

Common error

While "the brink of" is a powerful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where the stakes are genuinely high, and avoid using it in casual or trivial contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the brink of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns or clauses to indicate proximity to a significant event or state. It sets the scene for the occurrence of something notable. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the brink of" is a versatile and widely used prepositional phrase that indicates a critical point just before a significant event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, academic, and professional contexts. While primarily used to convey a sense of imminence and potential danger, it can also describe positive turning points. When writing, remember to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where its impact is most warranted. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively use "the brink of" to add depth and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On the verge of

Indicates a point immediately preceding a significant event, similar to "the brink of".

On the edge of

Implies being in a precarious position just before a change, similar to "the brink of".

On the cusp of

Suggests being at the turning point or threshold of something new, similar to "the brink of".

On the threshold of

Describes being at the entrance or beginning of a new phase, closely related to "the brink of".

On the point of

Indicates being very close to doing something, sharing the imminence of "the brink of".

Nearing

A more concise way of saying approaching to an event or situation.

Approaching

A word used to describe the event or the moment to come.

About to experience

This phrase indicates something that is soon to happen.

In danger of

Highlights the potential negative outcome that "the brink of" often implies, focusing on risk.

At risk of

Similar to "in danger of", this highlights potential for something adverse that may occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "the brink of" to describe a situation that is very close to a significant or dangerous event. For example, "The company was on "the brink of bankruptcy"" or "The two countries were on "the brink of war"".

What are some alternatives to "the brink of"?

Some alternatives include "on the verge of", "on the edge of", or "on the cusp of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always negative when something is on "the brink of" something?

While "the brink of" often implies a negative outcome, it can also be used to describe something positive that is about to happen. For example, "Scientists are on "the brink of a major discovery"".

What's the difference between "the brink of" and "the edge of"?

Both phrases suggest proximity to a significant point, but "the brink of" often carries a stronger sense of imminence or danger. "The edge of" /s/the+edge+of can sometimes imply a more stable or prolonged state, whereas "the brink of" indicates something is about to tip over.