verge of extinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verge of extinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a species or entity that is very close to disappearing or becoming extinct. Example: "The northern white rhino is on the verge of extinction, with only a few individuals remaining in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The subspecies found in Martinique (Fig.  1) was declared on the verge of extinction in 1905, then considered extinct in 1950, but managed to survive and seems to be slowly increasing its population in spite of adverse conditions.

Acta Ethologica

For all of the diversity stored within the Seed Vault, many more strains have gone extinct, and more still are on the verge of extinction.

BBC

Now Yumingzui is on the verge of extinction.

The New York Times

"What if half the world's languages are on the verge of extinction?

The New York Times - Magazine

Indeed, it's the straight play that seems on the verge of extinction, at least commercially.

The Guardian

She speaks of her students and employees as an endangered species, on the verge of extinction.

The Guardian

Investigative reporting, more crucial than ever, is on the verge of extinction.

The Guardian - Opinion

The African white rhinoceros reached the verge of extinction in 1980.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And so their disciplines, as a rule, are not on the verge of extinction.

The New York Times

Some species have been brought to the verge of extinction by hunting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But during my visits the dining room was largely empty, its patrons on the verge of extinction.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "verge of extinction", ensure you provide context about what is causing this precarious situation. Explaining the threats gives more weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "verge of extinction" lightly. It suggests an extremely high level of threat and near-certain disappearance. Use more nuanced language like "endangered" or "threatened" if the situation isn't so dire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verge of extinction" functions as a prepositional phrase typically used as an adjective, modifying a noun or noun phrase to describe something that is very close to becoming extinct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples in Ludwig show it describing species, languages, and cultural practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "verge of extinction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a state of being very close to disappearing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, it serves to highlight urgency and raise awareness about critical situations. While several alternatives exist, such as "on the brink of extinction", it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context justifies its strong implications. To avoid common errors, clarify the contributing factors to this state. Using specific examples strengthens its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of extinction

Suggests a very immediate and precarious situation, similar to "verge of extinction".

facing imminent extinction

Highlights the impending nature of the extinction event.

on the edge of oblivion

Emphasizes the potential for complete forgetting or disappearance.

close to disappearing

Highlights the nearness of vanishing, similar to "verge of extinction".

at risk of disappearing

A more general term indicating vulnerability and potential loss.

in danger of vanishing

Emphasizes the potential for something to fade away completely.

nearing total collapse

Focuses on the process of decline leading to a final failure or disappearance.

threatened with obliteration

Emphasizes the external forces that will drive the species/entity into extinction.

on the decline

Indicates a downward trend, suggesting a movement towards extinction.

facing annihilation

Emphasizes the total destruction and end of a species/entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "verge of extinction" to describe a species, language, or even a tradition that is close to disappearing. For example, "The Amur leopard is on the verge of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss."

What is a more formal alternative to "verge of extinction"?

A more formal alternative is "facing imminent extinction", which emphasizes the impending nature of the extinction event.

Which is correct, "on the verge of extinction" or "on the brink of extinction"?

Both "on the verge of extinction" and "on the brink of extinction" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

What are some common reasons for a species being on the "verge of extinction"?

Common reasons include habitat loss, climate change, poaching, pollution, and disease. These factors often interact to push a species towards the "verge of extinction".