be on the cusp of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on the cusp of" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be on the verge of something or at the point when something is about to happen or change. Example: The company is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in technology, which will revolutionize the industry. Another example: As she stood on the cusp of adulthood, she couldn't help but feel anxious about the future.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Iraqi army may be on the cusp of one of its most significant military victories over the Islamic State.

Vice

So, we seem to be on the cusp of one of rare Hari Seldon-style solutions, and from my perspective, this is very good to see.

Huffington Post

Unless it is, Britain may be on the cusp of swinging from one extreme to the other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dyson appears to be on the cusp of major expansion.

The Guardian - Tech

We could be on the cusp of a recession.

The New York Times

Computing may be on the cusp of another such wave.

The New York Times

America could be on the cusp of strong growth.

The Economist

In 2018 Britain will be on the cusp of a new era of child poverty.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Scottish government may be on the cusp of an ambitious programme.

The Guardian

It would appear that Britain may be on the cusp of a new era in industry.

The Guardian - Opinion

And scientists just might be on the cusp of doing that.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on the cusp of" to describe situations where a significant change or event is expected to occur imminently. It adds a sense of anticipation and importance to the statement.

Common error

While effective, "be on the cusp of" can become repetitive if used too frequently. Vary your language by using synonyms like "be on the verge of" or "be about to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on the cusp of" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that something is at a critical juncture or point of imminent change. It adds a sense of anticipation, as demonstrated by Ludwig in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be on the cusp of" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that effectively communicates the idea of nearing a significant change or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially within news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse by employing synonyms like ""be on the verge of"" or "be about to" to maintain engagement. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Washington Post underscores its reliability and appropriateness in professional communication. The phrase "be on the cusp of" is a powerful tool for expressing anticipation and transition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on the verge of

Focuses on the imminence of an event or change.

be on the brink of

Emphasizes the precariousness or critical nature of the situation.

be on the edge of

Highlights a delicate or unstable position before a change.

be on the threshold of

Suggests entering a new phase or beginning.

be about to

Directly indicates an action that will happen very soon.

stand at the gateway to

Implies a significant transition or opportunity.

approach the point of

A more descriptive way of expressing nearness to a specific outcome.

nearing the moment of

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the impending event.

in sight of

Implies that the goal or event is visible and attainable.

within reach of

Indicates that an achievement or change is easily attainable.

FAQs

What does "be on the cusp of" mean?

The phrase "be on the cusp of" means to be on the verge of something, or at the point just before something happens or changes. It suggests a moment of transition or anticipation.

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

You can use "be on the cusp of" to describe a situation where something significant is about to happen. For example, "The company is "be on the verge of" a major breakthrough."

What are some alternatives to "be on the cusp of"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""be on the verge of"", "be on the brink of", or "be about to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "be on the cusp of" in formal writing?

Yes, "be on the cusp of" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a well-established phrase used in news, business, and academic contexts. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style.