at the edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the edge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a location relative to the other components of something (such as the edge of a lake, the edge of a cliff, or the edge of a table). For example: "The bird perched at the edge of the lake, its feathers ruffling in the cool morning breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the edge was the desert.

The New Yorker

Woman and children squat at the edge.

BBC

Another stopped at the edge.

The New York Times

They were at the edge of Washington Crossing State Park.

The New Yorker

Client devices are located at the edge.

Computer Communications

at the Edge of a City.

The New York Times - Books

Living at the Edge of Time.

Stanford University

I'm at the edge of myself.

The Guardian - Music

"Art at the Edge of the Law".

The New York Times - Arts

They keep me at the edge of some turkey-horizon.

The New York Times

"Europe is no longer at the edge of the cliff".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the edge" to describe a location, ensure that the context clearly defines what the edge refers to. For example, specify "at the edge of the forest" rather than just "at the edge".

Common error

Avoid overusing "at the edge" in metaphorical contexts where other phrases might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "He was at the edge of success", consider alternatives like "He was on the verge of success" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the edge" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a location or position relative to a boundary or limit, as Ludwig shows in multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the edge" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a position near a boundary or limit. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from describing physical locations to metaphorical situations. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and scientific writing, reflecting its broad appeal and utility. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure clarity in its usage, specifying what the 'edge' refers to and avoiding overuse in metaphorical contexts where more precise alternatives might exist. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "at the edge" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the periphery

Focuses on being on the outer limits of something, similar to "at the edge".

at the border

Indicates a location right on the boundary between two areas.

at the boundary

Directly refers to being located on the dividing line between two regions or states.

on the brink

Implies being close to a critical point or event, rather than a physical edge.

verging on

Suggests nearing a state or condition, often used metaphorically.

at the rim

Similar to 'edge', refers to an outer circular perimeter.

close to the limit

Highlights proximity to a maximum or a boundary condition.

at the outskirt

Similar to 'periphery' and refers to an outer area.

near the margin

Emphasizes a position close to the edge or boundary, often implying a small amount of space left.

on the threshold

Implies being at the entry point or beginning of something new.

FAQs

How can I use "at the edge" in a sentence?

You can use "at the edge" to describe a location relative to something else, such as "The house is at the edge of town" or metaphorically, such as "They are "on the brink" of disaster".

What are some alternatives to "at the edge"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "on the periphery", "at the border", or ""on the brink"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "on the edge" instead of "at the edge"?

While both phrases can be used, "at the edge" often implies a more specific and immediate location, whereas "on the edge" can suggest a more general state or condition, such as being anxious or excited.

When should I use "at the edge" versus "in the center"?

"At the edge" indicates a position near the boundary or perimeter of something, while "in the center" indicates a position near the middle. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the location you are describing.