edge of cliff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of cliff" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a location or situation that involves being at the boundary of a cliff. For example, "She stood at the edge of the cliff, gazing at the ocean below." Alternative expressions include "cliff's edge" and "brink of the cliff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Mighty Fine" chugs along heartily until it abruptly stops on the edge of cliff, leaving you feeling shortchanged.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That territory has also been increasingly abandoned by Republicans, who tend to cluster on the edge of cliffs.

The New Yorker

BASE jumpers started using wingsuits 10 years ago leading to the more dangerous WisBASE jumping, or 'proximity flying', from the edge of cliffs and mountains.

Independent

They brought back the miniature train line he used to terrorize his guests at the edge of cliffs above the Connecticut River.

The New York Times

We anxious people are less likely to remove ourselves from the gene pool by, say, frolicking on the edge of cliffs or becoming fighter pilots.

The Guardian

I hang out precariously close to the edge of cliffs, pretend to hit my husband with an axe, play dangerously with knives.

The Guardian - Opinion

We all want to see different parts of the world, to get lost in an undiscovered culture, and to live on the edge of cliffs and flight times.

Huffington Post

On that second day, Mulat and I hiked for seven hours past children playing in fields and, disconcertingly, at the edges of cliffs.

The New York Times - Travel

One day, Manny and I hiked along the edge of the Firth, treading along the edges of cliffs that plunged precipitously into the vibrant green river.

BBC

"Warning signs on the edges of cliffs," he says.

Vice

Eastern red-cedar, a dry-loving species, clings to the barren edges of cliffs.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "edge of cliff" in descriptive writing, consider using vivid verbs and adjectives to enhance the imagery and convey the sense of danger or beauty associated with the location. For example, instead of simply stating "He stood at the edge of the cliff", try "He peered cautiously over the crumbling edge of the cliff, the wind whipping at his coat."

Common error

Avoid using "edge of cliff" too loosely in metaphorical contexts where the sense of physical danger or precariousness is not genuinely relevant. Overusing it can diminish its impact when you need to describe an actual dangerous situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of cliff" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb by indicating location or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "edge of cliff" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a physical location or, metaphorically, a situation of risk or precariousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct. Its usage spans various contexts, but is most common in news, media and literature. To enhance your writing, consider using vivid language and imagery to paint a clearer picture when using this phrase. Alternatives include "brink of a precipice" or "verge of the abyss". Be mindful of overuse in figurative contexts to maintain its impact. While not extremely frequent, understanding the nuances of "edge of cliff" can add depth and precision to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of a precipice

Replaces "edge" with "brink" and "cliff" with "precipice", both conveying a sense of imminent danger or a point of no return.

verge of the abyss

Substitutes "edge" with "verge" and "cliff" with "abyss", emphasizing the vastness and danger of the drop-off.

lip of the chasm

Replaces "edge" with "lip" and "cliff" with "chasm", highlighting the narrow boundary before a deep, wide opening.

crest of the bluff

Uses "crest" instead of "edge" and "bluff" instead of "cliff", referring to the top of a steep bank or headland.

boundary of the drop

Replaces "edge" with "boundary" and "cliff" with "drop", focusing on the line that separates safety from a sudden fall.

precarious ledge

Focuses on the unstable nature of the narrow platform at the top of a cliff.

summit of the precipice

Uses "summit" instead of "edge" and "precipice" instead of "cliff", indicating the highest point before a steep descent.

rim of the canyon

Substitutes "cliff" with "canyon" and "edge" with "rim", referring to the upper edge of a deep, narrow valley.

brow of the hill

Replaces "cliff" with "hill" and "edge" with "brow", describing the upper part of a rounded elevation.

brink of disaster

Figuratively uses the concept of the edge to refer to something more abstract.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of cliff" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of cliff" to describe a physical location: "The house was built on the "edge of cliff", offering stunning views.". It can also be used figuratively: "The company was on the "edge of cliff" due to poor financial decisions."

What are some alternatives to "edge of cliff"?

Some alternatives include "brink of precipice", "verge of abyss", or "lip of chasm". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "edges of cliffs"?

Yes, "edges of cliffs" is grammatically correct. It simply refers to multiple cliffs and their respective edges, whereas "edge of cliff" refers to the edge of a single cliff.

When is it appropriate to use "edge of cliff" figuratively?

It is appropriate to use "edge of cliff" figuratively when you want to emphasize a situation's precariousness or danger. For instance, you might say a political campaign is on the "edge of cliff" if a single misstep could lead to its downfall.