What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brink
Example
She stood on the brink of the cliff, admiring the breathtaking view. [brink: noun]
Example
The country is on the brink of economic collapse if no action is taken. [brink: prepositional phrase]
Example
He was on the brink of tears after hearing the sad news. [brink: prepositional phrase]
verge
Example
The car swerved off the road and ended up in the verge. [verge: noun]
Example
She was on the verge of giving up, but her friends encouraged her to keep going. [verge: prepositional phrase]
Example
He is on the verge of signing a contract with a major record label. [verge: prepositional phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Verge is more commonly used than brink in everyday language. Verge is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while brink is less common and often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brink and verge?
Both brink and verge can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, brink may have a slightly more formal tone due to its less frequent usage.
