Imagine you are walking, and you come to the very, very edge of a high cliff. That edge is a brink. You are almost falling, but not quite.
Now, think about something important that is about to happen. Maybe a big test or a fun trip. If it's just about to start, you are on the brink of it.
It means you are right at the moment before something big happens, like being on the edge of a cliff before you might fall.
§ Introduction
The word "brink" is a fascinating and powerful term, but its usage can be a bit tricky for learners, especially at the C1 CEFR level. While its core meaning refers to an edge or threshold, both literally and figuratively, there are common pitfalls that can lead to miscommunication. This section will delve into these frequent mistakes, offering clarity and guidance for accurate and impactful use.
§ Mistake 1: Confusing "brink" with "edge" or "verge" in all contexts
While "brink," "edge," and "verge" can often be used interchangeably, particularly in their literal sense, "brink" carries a stronger connotation of a critical or decisive moment, often implying danger, significant change, or imminent action. Learners sometimes use "brink" when a simpler "edge" or "verge" would be more appropriate and less dramatic.
- Incorrect Usage
- She stood at the brink of the table, polishing it.
In this sentence, "brink" is overly dramatic. The table's edge is not typically a place of imminent danger or significant change. "Edge" or "side" would be more natural.
She stood at the edge of the table, polishing it.
- Correct Usage (Figurative)
- The company was on the brink of bankruptcy.
Here, "brink" is perfectly suitable because bankruptcy represents a critical and potentially disastrous turning point.
§ Mistake 2: Incorrect Prepositional Usage
"Brink" most commonly pairs with the prepositions "of" and "on." Using other prepositions can sound awkward or incorrect.
- Incorrect Usage
- They stood at the brink for disaster.
The preposition "for" is incorrect here. The correct preposition to indicate what is imminent is "of."
They stood at the brink of disaster.
- Correct Usage
- The negotiations were on the brink of collapse.
This usage of "on the brink of" is very common and idiomatic, signifying that something is about to happen.
§ Mistake 3: Overuse or Misapplication in Trivial Situations
Because "brink" carries such a strong sense of impending significance, using it in trivial or everyday situations can sound melodramatic or even humorous. It's best reserved for situations that genuinely involve a critical turning point or significant danger.
- Incorrect Usage
- I was on the brink of finishing my coffee when the phone rang.
While the phone call might interrupt the coffee, it's hardly a critical or dangerous situation that warrants the intensity of "brink."
I was about to finish my coffee when the phone rang.
- Correct Usage
- Humanity stands on the brink of a climate catastrophe.
This sentence effectively uses "brink" to highlight the critical and potentially devastating nature of the situation.
§ Mistake 4: Using "brink" as a verb
The prompt explicitly states "brink" as a verb, but it is overwhelmingly used as a noun in contemporary English. While some archaic or very specific technical contexts might allow for its verbal use, for C1 learners, it's safer to consider "brink" exclusively as a noun. Treating it as a verb is a common mistake that can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences.
- Incorrect Usage
- The approaching storm brinked us to panic.
In this example, "brinked" is used as a verb, which is grammatically incorrect in standard English.
The approaching storm brought us to the brink of panic.
- Correct Usage (Noun)
- He was on the brink of tears.
Here, "brink" is correctly used as a noun following the preposition "on the brink of."
§ Conclusion
By being mindful of these common mistakes, C1 learners can confidently and accurately incorporate "brink" into their vocabulary. Remember its powerful connotations, its typical prepositional partners, and its role as a noun to master this expressive word.
알아야 할 문법
Nouns can be followed by prepositional phrases to specify location or a figurative 'edge.'
He stood on the brink of the cliff.
The definite article 'the' is often used before 'brink' when referring to a specific edge or a figurative turning point.
We were on the brink of war.
When 'brink' is used figuratively, it is often followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'of' to indicate what is about to happen.
The company was on the brink of collapse.
Verbs like 'to be,' 'to stand,' or 'to push' are commonly used with 'brink' to describe a state or action related to being at an edge.
She was pushed to the brink of despair.
Adjectives can precede 'brink' to describe its nature, such as 'sheer brink' or 'dangerous brink,' though these are less common with the figurative meaning.
The sheer brink of the canyon was breathtaking.
셀프 테스트 30 질문
Write a sentence about a cat sitting near the edge of something. Use simple words.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The cat is on the edge of the table.
Imagine you are standing at the edge of a swimming pool. What do you see? Write one simple sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I see blue water at the edge of the pool.
Write a sentence about a flower growing near the edge of a garden.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A red flower is at the edge of the garden.
Where is the bird?
Read this passage:
A little bird is on the edge of its nest. It wants to fly. Its mother is watching.
Where is the bird?
The passage says, 'A little bird is on the edge of its nest.'
The passage says, 'A little bird is on the edge of its nest.'
What does the dog do at the edge of the river?
Read this passage:
My dog likes to stand near the edge of the river. He looks at the fish. He does not go in the water.
What does the dog do at the edge of the river?
The passage states, 'He looks at the fish.'
The passage states, 'He looks at the fish.'
What will happen if you push the ball?
Read this passage:
The ball is on the edge of the bed. If I push it, it will fall down. Be careful!
What will happen if you push the ball?
The passage says, 'If I push it, it will fall down.'
The passage says, 'If I push it, it will fall down.'
This sentence describes the cat being very close to the edge of the table.
This sentence means she was very close to starting to cry.
This sentence means the car stopped right at the very edge of the cliff.
The hikers stood at the ___ of the cliff, admiring the view.
The word 'brink' means the extreme edge, which fits the context of a cliff.
After several arguments, their relationship was on the ___ of collapse.
Figuratively, 'on the brink' means at the point where something dangerous or exciting is about to happen.
The country was on the ___ of war after the recent political tensions.
'On the brink of war' is a common idiom meaning close to war.
If you are on the brink of success, you are very close to achieving it.
'On the brink' implies being very close to a significant event, whether positive or negative.
The word 'brink' can be used to describe the very center of something.
The word 'brink' refers to the extreme edge, not the center.
A person standing on the brink of a river is in the middle of it.
The brink of a river refers to its border or edge, not the middle.
The company was on the financial ___ after a series of bad investments.
The word 'brink' is used figuratively here to indicate a critical point, often preceding something negative or significant.
Standing on the ___ of the cliff, she felt a powerful rush of adrenaline.
'Brink' can refer to the extreme edge of a steep place, fitting the context of a cliff.
Scientists warn that the planet is on the ___ of irreversible climate change.
Figuratively, 'brink' is used to describe a critical moment before a major event, in this case, climate change.
After weeks of negotiations, the two nations were on the ___ of signing a peace treaty.
Here, 'brink' signifies being at the point where something significant (a peace treaty) is about to happen.
With no food or water, the explorers were on the ___ of collapse.
'Brink' accurately conveys the critical state of being very close to a negative outcome, such as collapse.
The young artist stood on the ___ of a brilliant career, her talent undeniable.
In this context, 'brink' suggests the exciting point just before the beginning of something significant and positive.
The company was on the financial ______ after several quarters of losses.
In this context, 'brink' is the most idiomatic choice to describe being on the verge of financial collapse, emphasizing the dangerous and critical situation.
After years of conflict, the two nations were on the ______ of signing a peace treaty.
'On the brink of' is a common idiom meaning on the verge or about to experience something significant, in this case, a peace treaty.
The scientist was on the ______ of a major breakthrough in his research.
Here, 'brink' conveys the idea of being very close to a significant and exciting discovery or advancement.
The sentence 'He stood on the brink of the cliff, admiring the view' correctly uses 'brink' as a noun referring to a physical edge.
Yes, 'brink' can refer to the extreme edge of a steep place, such as a cliff.
If a country is 'on the brink of war,' it means war has already started.
'On the brink of' means that something is about to happen, not that it has already started. In this case, war is imminent but hasn't begun yet.
The phrase 'on the brink of success' suggests that success is unlikely to occur.
No, 'on the brink of success' means that success is very close and likely to happen soon, emphasizing an exciting or anticipated outcome.
/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
예시
We stood on the brink of the canyon, marveling at the vastness below.
관련 콘텐츠
Environment 관련 단어
renewable
B2A renewable refers to a source of energy that is naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, or rain. In modern contexts, it is most commonly used in the plural form, 'renewables,' to describe the industry or the technologies used to generate clean power.
bonfire
B2축제나 행사를 기념하기 위해 야외에서 크게 피우는 불이야. 캠프파이어보다 훨씬 큰 규모인 경우가 많아.
obvalive
C1지질학적으로나 비유적으로, 갑작스러운 붕괴나 파멸적인 하향 이동 경향을 묘사해요.
climate
B2Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a particular region over many years. It can also describe the prevailing mood, conditions, or social atmosphere of a specific time or place.
ozone
B2Ozone is a colorless gas found in the upper atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is also produced at ground level as a pollutant when sunlight reacts with industrial emissions.
environmental
A2공기, 물, 동물 등 자연과 관련된 것을 말해요. 주로 인간의 활동으로부터 자연을 보호한다는 맥락에서 쓰입니다.
pollution
B2Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful materials into the environment, which can damage the air, water, and land. It is a major global issue that results from human activities like industrial processes, transportation, and waste disposal.
deforestation
B2Deforestation is the permanent removal or clearing of forests and trees on a large scale, typically to repurpose the land for agriculture, grazing, or urban development. This process results in significant environmental damage, including the loss of biodiversity and the disruption of the water cycle.
recycling
B2Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. It is a fundamental practice in environmental conservation aimed at reducing waste and the consumption of raw materials.
fertilizer
B2A chemical or natural substance added to soil or land to increase its fertility and provide essential nutrients for plant growth. It is primarily used in gardening and agriculture to help crops develop faster and produce higher yields.
