What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brink
Example
The hiker stood on the brink of the cliff, admiring the breathtaking view. [brink: noun]
Example
The country is on the brink of an economic crisis if immediate action is not taken. [brink: prepositional phrase]
cusp
Example
She was born on the cusp of Leo and Virgo, exhibiting traits of both signs. [cusp: noun]
Example
The company is on the cusp of launching a revolutionary new product. [cusp: prepositional phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brink is more commonly used than cusp in everyday language. Brink is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while cusp is less common and has more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brink and cusp?
Both brink and cusp can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, brink is generally considered more formal due to its broader usage, while cusp may be seen as slightly more informal or specialized.