are verging on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are verging on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is approaching a particular state or condition, often implying that it is very close to that state. Example: "The temperatures are verging on record highs this summer, raising concerns about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It must have already dawned on Klopp that his principal task is the undertaking of a relatively recent cultural shift that has scourged Anfield, one that dictates when it feels like Liverpool are verging on a bad result, it usually happens.

Independent

Yet these declines are verging on microscopic.

The New York Times

Her ideas are verging on the cranky.

The Guardian

The high school band's uniforms are verging on threadbare.

The New York Times

Audiences seem indifferent, and the critics are verging on hostility.

The New York Times

These are not just heady times at Heart of Midlothian - they are verging on the incredible.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Value chain breadth (Canada is verging on a one-trick pony with its dependence on resources).

TechCrunch

I think he is verging on being one of the best forwards around and instead Dunga takes Grafite ?

BBC

All under one roof, is verging on the fabled.

III-Vs Review

It was verging on rare.

The New Yorker

It was verging on pathological.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are verging on" to describe situations that are approaching a significant threshold or state. It's effective for conveying a sense of nearness to a particular condition, such as "The company's losses are verging on bankruptcy".

Common error

Avoid using "are verging on" when describing something that is only remotely possible. This phrase indicates a high degree of proximity to a particular state, so it should not be used for situations that are far from materializing. For instance, avoid saying "His chances of winning are verging on impossible" if he still has a realistic chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are verging on" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating that a subject is approaching a certain state or condition. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing financial situations to emotional states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are verging on" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is approaching a particular state or condition. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, primarily within news and media sources. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse forms of communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is indeed close to the specified state; misuse can dilute the intended meaning. Alternative phrases like "are bordering on" or "are approaching" can be used for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are bordering on

This alternative is very similar to "are verging on", emphasizing closeness to a limit or boundary.

are approaching

This suggests movement closer to a state, without necessarily implying being on the edge of it.

are nearing

Indicates getting closer to a particular condition or state.

are tending toward

Suggests a direction of change, implying a leaning towards a specific outcome.

are on the brink of

This alternative conveys a sense of imminence, highlighting that something is about to happen.

are on the verge of

This conveys a sense of imminence, highlighting that something is about to happen (same as "are on the brink of" but slightly different wording).

are close to

Indicates a state of proximity, suggesting that something is not far from a particular condition.

are becoming

Suggests a gradual transformation towards a certain state.

are developing into

This implies a process of growth and change towards a specific state.

are drifting towards

Suggests a passive movement towards a specific condition or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "are verging on" in a sentence?

Use "are verging on" to indicate that something is approaching a particular state or condition. For example: "The temperatures this week "are verging on" record highs".

What's a good alternative to "are verging on"?

Alternatives include "are bordering on", "are approaching", or "are nearing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is verging on" or "are verging on"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is verging on" for singular subjects (e.g. "The situation is verging on chaos") and "are verging on" for plural subjects (e.g. "The negotiations "are verging on" collapse").

What's the difference between "are verging on" and "are on the verge of"?

"Are verging on" suggests a gradual movement towards a state, while "are on the verge of" implies that the state is imminent and about to occur. The phrase "are on the verge of" carries a greater sense of immediacy.