On the verge of completion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On the verge of completion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly finished or very close to being completed. Example: "The project is on the verge of completion, and we expect to finalize it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At the same time, it served the dramatic action extremely well by expressing the lovers' unconsummated desire for one another, since Wagner's harmonies hover continuously on the verge of completion.

Britannica

"After Ellen" is part of my next collection, which is now on the verge of completion.

The New Yorker

Calls always seem to drop just when a plan — to get an ambulance, say — is on the verge of completion.

The New Yorker

The sale of the successful automotive component division, which accounts for a further three, and of Remploy's CCTV monitoring business is on the verge of completion.

The Guardian

Griffiths is confident an accord on the competition to replace the Heineken Cup next season is on the verge of completion.

The Guardian - Sport

Over and over again since last August, the Hearst Corporation's $660 million deal to buy The San Francisco Chronicle and abandon The San Francisco Examiner seemed on the verge of completion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She had been on the verge of closing the shop.

The New York Times

By 2007 the restaurant was on the verge of closing.

University of Chicago

The film put them on the verge of closing down.

Wikipedia

More than one person was on the verge of tears.

The New Yorker

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DNA Repair

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the verge of completion" when you want to convey a sense of anticipation or excitement about something that is about to be finished. It adds a bit more drama than simply saying something is 'almost done'.

Common error

While "on the verge of completion" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "nearing completion" or "almost complete" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of completion" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something as being in a state close to being finished. Ludwig provides examples from news, media and encyclopedia articles demonstrating this use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the verge of completion" is a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective that signifies something is very close to being finished. According to Ludwig, this grammatically correct phrase is frequently found in news, academia, and encyclopedia articles. While appropriate for professional and neutral contexts, you should vary your language to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "nearing completion" or "almost complete". The phrase is suitable for expressing anticipation or signaling that progress is about to be achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearing completion

Focuses more directly on the act of becoming complete, omitting the sense of anticipation.

Almost complete

More straightforward and less figurative than the original phrase.

Close to being finished

Emphasizes the finished state rather than the process.

Drawing to a close

More metaphorical, suggesting a gradual and natural end.

In the final stages

Highlights the position within a process, rather than the imminence of completion.

Approaching culmination

More formal and emphasizes the high point or climax of the process.

On the horizon

Less direct, implying that completion is visible and expected in the near future.

About to be finalized

Focuses on the act of making something final and official.

In its last throes

Suggests a difficult or prolonged process of finishing.

Nearing fruition

Implies that the project is coming to a successful and productive conclusion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on the verge of completion"?

You can use alternatives such as "nearing completion", "almost complete", or "close to being finished" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "on the verge of completion" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the verge of completion" is suitable for formal writing. It is often used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents to indicate that something is nearing its final stage.

What does "on the verge of completion" imply?

The phrase "on the verge of completion" implies that something is very close to being finished or finalized. It suggests that the end is imminent and that the project or task is about to reach its conclusion.

What's the difference between "on the verge of completion" and "completed"?

"On the verge of completion" indicates that something is not yet finished but is very close to being so. "Completed", on the other hand, means that something is entirely finished and no further work is needed.