be on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

'be on edge' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe someone as being tense, nervous, or anxious about something. Example: After the car accident, Arthur was on edge during his drive to work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Republicans have reason to be on edge.

The New York Times

At the time, nobody seemed to be on edge.

The Guardian

This fear causes police to continue to be on edge.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Strobe has reason to be on edge.

The New York Times

Nerves will be on edge until the final kilometre.

The Guardian - Sport

I always want to be on edge, because that edge gives you energy and excitement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Rachel Brown, a sophomore, said the campus was "on edge". "I think everyone will just be on edge today and pretty shaken up," she told The Huffington Post in a tweet.

HuffPost

People were on edge.

The New York Times

She was on edge.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone is on edge".

The New York Times - Magazine

But retirees are on edge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on edge" to effectively convey a sense of heightened alertness, anxiety, or tension in your writing. Ensure the context supports the feeling of unease or anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "be on edge" repeatedly in a short span of text. Vary your language with synonyms like "feel anxious" or "be apprehensive" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on edge" functions primarily as a predicative expression, describing a temporary state of heightened nervousness or tension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be on edge" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of heightened nervousness, tension, or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in more informal settings. Its neutral register allows for broad application, and while it's important to use it appropriately and avoid overuse, it effectively conveys a sense of unease or anticipation. Consider alternatives like "feel anxious" or "be apprehensive" to diversify your writing. When an emergency occurs, everyone is likely to "be on edge", tired, and perhaps even in shock or full of panic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel anxious

Focuses on the emotional experience of anxiety rather than a state of heightened alertness.

feel nervous

Highlights the feeling of unease or apprehension.

be apprehensive

Emphasizes a feeling of dread or anticipation of adversity.

be on tenterhooks

Implies a state of anxious suspense or expectation.

be stressed out

Highlights the state of being overwhelmed by stress.

be keyed up

Suggests a state of heightened excitement and tension.

be on pins and needles

Conveys a feeling of nervous anticipation or anxiety.

be uptight

Suggests a state of rigidity and tension, often due to anxiety.

be jittery

Emphasizes a state of nervousness expressed through fidgeting or trembling.

have butterflies in your stomach

Describes a feeling of nervousness, especially before a performance or event.

FAQs

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

You can use "be on edge" to describe a state of nervousness, tension, or anxiety. For example, "After the series of robberies, the entire neighborhood was on edge."

What are some alternatives to "be on edge"?

Alternatives include "feel anxious", "be apprehensive", or "be on tenterhooks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being on edge"?

Yes, "being on edge" is grammatically correct. You can use it as a gerund or participial phrase, for example, "Being on edge all the time is exhausting."

What's the difference between "be on edge" and "be anxious"?

"Be on edge" suggests a more immediate, reactive state of tension or nervousness, often related to a specific situation. "Be anxious" implies a more generalized and pervasive state of worry or unease.