already on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is feeling anxious, tense, or irritable, often due to stress or pressure. Example: "After the long meeting and the unexpected news, she was already on edge and found it hard to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By the time Carey got to town, Washington was already "on edge," as more than one commentator would say.

The Washington Post

Local cops were likely already on edge because today is the one-year anniversary of Eric Garner's death.

Vice

I'm eight under.500, so I'm already on edge.

The New York Times - Sports

IT'S just past 9 a.m., and the truck drivers are already on edge.

The New York Times

Everyone was already on edge, waiting for the repeat elections on 1 November.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a terrifying moment for a community already on edge.

The Washington Post

The decision comes as trade relations between the North America neighbors are already on edge.

The Washington Post

This reflective sluggishness maddens Rachel, who, already on edge after September 11th, announces that she is leaving him and America.

The New Yorker

But with terrorist threats looming, security had to be tightened to levels beyond compare in a place already on edge.

The New York Times

Many of the Pentagon's more than 20,000 civilians and military personnel were already on edge when the attack came.

The New York Times

He threatened more terror "in the heart of America," surely aware that America is already on edge.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where tensions are escalating, use "already on edge" to highlight the pre-existing state of anxiety before a new event occurs. This adds depth to your description.

Common error

While "already on edge" is widely acceptable, be mindful of the context. In very informal settings, consider more colloquial alternatives like "stressed out" or "uptight" to better resonate with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already on edge" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of heightened anxiety, nervousness, or tension. Ludwig AI's analysis aligns with this understanding, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already on edge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of heightened anxiety or tension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly within news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and audience to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. Alternatives like "anxious" or "tense" may be suitable substitutes depending on the desired nuance. Remember that "already on edge" sets the stage, indicating a pre-existing condition before further events unfold.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious

This is a general term for feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy, simplifying the emotional state to a basic level of concern.

uneasy

This alternative conveys a feeling of discomfort or apprehension, highlighting a lack of peace of mind.

tense

This term focuses on the physical manifestation of stress, suggesting tightness in muscles or atmosphere, deviating from a purely emotional state.

apprehensive

This term suggests a specific anticipation of future trouble or negative outcomes, pointing at a clear expectation instead of a general state of alertness.

highly strung

This alternative implies a nervous and easily agitated state, often inherent to one's personality, showing an inherent disposition rather than a situational state.

stressed out

This phrase indicates a state of being overwhelmed by stress, often due to excessive demands or pressures, focusing more on the cause of the state.

jittery

This emphasizes nervous energy and restlessness, suggesting a more visible and agitated state than simply being "on edge".

on tenterhooks

This alternative suggests a state of suspense or nervous anticipation, emphasizing uncertainty about an imminent event.

keyed up

This suggests a state of excitement or heightened readiness, which can border on anxiety, but implies more energy and anticipation.

on high alert

This alternative implies a state of vigilance and readiness for potential danger, pointing at a proactive measure rather than an emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "already on edge" in a sentence?

You can use "already on edge" to describe a person, group, or situation experiencing heightened anxiety or tension before a specific event or trigger. For example, "The city was "already on edge" after the recent protests."

What are some synonyms for "already on edge"?

Alternatives to "already on edge" include "anxious", "tense", or "on high alert", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on edge already" instead of "already on edge"?

While the meaning might be understood, "already on edge" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "On edge already" sounds less natural and could be perceived as awkward.

What's the difference between "already on edge" and "about to snap"?

"Already on edge" describes a state of heightened tension, while "about to snap" implies being on the verge of losing control due to that tension. "Already on edge" describes a pre-existing state, whereas "about to snap" suggests an imminent breaking point.