verge of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verge of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that is on the brink of failing or breaking down. Example: "The company's financial situation is dire, and it is now on the verge of collapse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He seemed on the verge of collapse.

The New Yorker

The economy was on the verge of collapse.

The New York Times

The regime was on the verge of collapse.

The Guardian

Her shelves are on the verge of collapse.

The New York Times

That deal is now on the verge of collapse.

The Economist

His house was on the verge of collapse.

The New York Times

The magnate's marriage is also on the verge of collapse.

The New Yorker

Russia's puppet government is on the verge of collapse.

The Economist

Three Iranian banks are on the verge of collapse.

The Guardian

California's energy market is on the verge of collapse.

The New York Times

"We're on the verge of collapse," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as being on the "verge of collapse", ensure the context clearly indicates the factors contributing to this state. Provide specific details to support the assertion that the situation is indeed critical.

Common error

Avoid using "verge of collapse" when the situation is merely unstable or facing challenges. This phrase implies near-certain failure; use it only when the evidence strongly supports this outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verge of collapse" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject is in a state of being close to failing or breaking down. Ludwig provides numerous examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verge of collapse" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is very close to failing or breaking down. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide supporting details to justify the claim that something is nearing collapse and to avoid overstating the imminence of failure. Alternatives like "on the brink of failure" or "close to ruin" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of failure

Emphasizes the imminence of failure; a slightly more general term.

at the point of breakdown

Focuses on the breaking point, suggesting a loss of functionality.

approaching breakdown

Focuses on the process of nearing a state of failure or malfunction.

in danger of failing

Highlights the risk and possibility of failure.

close to ruin

Highlights the destructive aspect of the situation.

on the edge of destruction

Emphasizes the destructive nature of the potential outcome.

nearing its end

Focuses on the terminal stage, implying that something is about to cease to exist.

facing imminent demise

Highlights that the end or death is approaching very soon.

about to disintegrate

Suggests a breakdown into smaller parts or components.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is nearing the end of its useful life or existence.

FAQs

How can I use "verge of collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "verge of collapse" to describe systems, organizations, or even abstract concepts that are about to fail. For example: "The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to underfunding."

What can I say instead of "verge of collapse"?

You can use alternatives like "on the brink of failure", "close to ruin", or "about to disintegrate depending on the context.

Which is correct, "verge of collapse" or "cusp of collapse"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings, but "verge of collapse" is more commonly used to describe a state of near failure, while "cusp of collapse" might imply a slightly less immediate threat.

What's the difference between "verge of collapse" and "point of collapse"?

"Verge of collapse" implies being very close to a failure, while "point of collapse" suggests reaching the precise moment when something fails. The former describes the state leading up to failure, the latter describes the exact moment of failure.