got on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of nervousness or anxiety that someone is experiencing. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, she really got on edge and couldn't focus on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The players get on edge as much as the fans.

The New York Times - Sports

Only when you got on the edge of the dune did you get a breeze, and the sand was like powder and coming down seemed maybe easier, but you got more sand coming into your sneakers.

The New York Times

"With the quality they've got on the edges, you make one mistake and you get hurt.

BBC

And it got me on edge thinking if I wanted to go through with it or not.

Gender and Society

It's always got you on edge, and I don't consider it a gift sometimes.

The New York Times - Magazine

At Saturday Night's Main Event, Foley got revenge on Edge by assaulting him with a con-chair-to.

Wikipedia

"I was really getting on the edge before I went to prison.

The Guardian

Derby games are very passionate and players get on the edge … The referees have got to understand what is going on out there.

The Guardian - Sport

"The producers were kind of getting on the edge of their seat, and kind of like pushing me down," he said.

The New York Times

They draw crowds as big as they get on the edge of nowhere in a film that is "consistently offbeat and entertaining" (Dave Kehr).

The New York Times

Get on the edge of the pool.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got on edge" to describe a situation where someone is reacting to immediate pressure or uncertainty. It implies a heightened state of alertness and possible anxiety.

Common error

While "got on edge" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic papers or formal business reports. Consider alternatives like "became anxious" or "experienced heightened stress" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got on edge" functions as a predicate describing a state of heightened nervousness or anxiety. It suggests a reaction to a specific situation or stimulus, as confirmed by Ludwig, which indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got on edge" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of heightened anxiety or nervousness. While considered acceptable by Ludwig, it may be too informal for certain contexts, such as academic or professional writing. The phrase conveys an immediate, reactive state of unease, and alternatives like ""became anxious"" or "felt apprehensive" might be more appropriate in formal settings. Use "got on edge" to effectively communicate that someone is reacting to immediate pressure or uncertainty, but be mindful of the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became anxious

Focuses on the emotion of anxiety rather than the physical feeling of being on edge.

became nervous

Highlights the feeling of nervousness, a common symptom of being on edge.

grew tense

Emphasizes the physical tension that often accompanies feeling on edge.

became agitated

Implies a state of restlessness and unease, similar to being on edge.

felt uneasy

Focuses on a general feeling of discomfort and apprehension.

became apprehensive

Highlights the anticipation of something unpleasant, contributing to feeling on edge.

grew restless

Emphasizes the inability to relax or stay still due to feeling on edge.

became stressed

Focuses on the feeling of being overwhelmed and burdened, which can lead to being on edge.

became wired

Suggests a state of heightened energy and alertness, often accompanied by anxiety.

grew jumpy

Emphasizes the tendency to be easily startled or reactive due to feeling on edge.

FAQs

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

You can use "got on edge" to describe a state of nervousness or anxiety someone is experiencing. For example, "After hearing the unexpected news, she "became anxious" and couldn't focus on her work."

What's a more formal way to say "got on edge"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like ""became anxious"", "experienced heightened stress", or "felt apprehensive".

Is "got on edge" appropriate for professional writing?

While understandable, "got on edge" might be too informal for professional writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "became nervous" or "became concerned".

What's the difference between "got on edge" and "felt stressed"?

"Got on edge" often implies a more immediate, reactive state of anxiety, while "felt stressed" suggests a more prolonged period of pressure or strain. Although similar you can say "became stressed".