are on the cusp of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are on the cusp of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is very close to experiencing or achieving a significant change or event. Example: "The scientists believe we are on the cusp of a major breakthrough in renewable energy technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jack and Fiona are on the cusp of 60.

The Guardian - Books

We are on the cusp of true energy democracy.

The Guardian

It suggests that we are on the cusp of others".

The Guardian - Business

Detroit are on the cusp of the red zone.

The Guardian - Sport

We are on the cusp of Valentine's Day.

Yale University

Not that he thinks investors are on the cusp of a bull market.

The New York Times

We are on the cusp of a new economy driven by the digital revolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Elsewhere, two states are on the cusp of adopting their own cancer immunization requirements.

The New York Times

Yes, they are young adults, but they are on the cusp of adulthood".

The Guardian - Books

Houston Astros Like the Yankees, the Astros are on the cusp of elimination.

The Guardian - Sport

The World Economic Forum predicts that we are on the cusp of a fourth industrial revolution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are on the cusp of" to convey a sense of anticipation and excitement about an upcoming change or event. It's more impactful when the change is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "are on the cusp of" for trivial matters. This phrase suggests a major turning point, so reserve it for genuinely important transitions or developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are on the cusp of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating proximity to a significant event or change. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying that the subject is at the point just before a new state or condition begins. Ludwig shows examples from diverse sources, reinforcing its function across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are on the cusp of" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to denote the imminent arrival of a significant change or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. With a neutral register, it conveys anticipation and importance. While highly versatile, it is most effective when describing major transitions, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Related phrases include ""are on the verge of"" and "are about to", offering similar yet nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are on the verge of

Emphasizes the imminence of an event or change, similar to "are on the cusp of" but perhaps with a slightly stronger sense of anticipation.

are on the brink of

Suggests a potentially precarious or critical moment, highlighting the nearness of a significant event, often with uncertain consequences.

are on the edge of

Suggests instability or excitement right before an event happens.

are about to

A simpler, more direct way of indicating that something is going to happen very soon.

stand on the threshold of

A more formal and metaphorical way to express being at the beginning of a new phase or experience.

are nearing

Indicates that a certain point or event is approaching, without specifying the immediacy.

are approaching

Similar to "are nearing", but can also describe a gradual coming closer to a specific time or situation.

are close to

A general phrase indicating proximity to a specific goal or state.

are at the point of

Highlights the specific moment or stage reached before a change occurs.

are on the horizon

Signifies that something is likely to happen in the future

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone or something is on the cusp of something?

To be "on the cusp of" something means to be at the point immediately before a change occurs. It suggests being very close to a significant event or development.

How can I use "are on the cusp of" in a sentence?

You can use "are on the cusp of" to describe a situation nearing a significant change. For example, "The company and its stakeholders "are on the verge of" a major breakthrough".

What can I say instead of "are on the cusp of"?

You can use alternatives like ""are on the verge of"", "are about to", or "are nearing" depending on the context.

Is "are on the cusp of" formal or informal?

"Are on the cusp of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.