on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of nervousness, anxiety, or heightened sensitivity. Example: "After hearing the news, I felt on edge all day, unable to concentrate on anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jerusalem - city on edge.

BBC

You're always on edge.

Huffington Post

People were on edge.

The New York Times

She was on edge.

The New York Times - Sports

Legislators appeared on edge.

The New York Times

Everyone is on edge".

The New York Times - Magazine

Libyans lived constantly on edge.

The New York Times

But retirees are on edge.

The New York Times

"He puts everybody on edge.

The New York Times - Sports

Now conservatives are on edge.

The Economist

But leaders remain on edge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on edge" to vividly describe a character's internal state or the atmosphere of a scene, creating a sense of unease or anticipation for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "on edge" for mild situations; reserve it for moments of genuine tension, anxiety, or suspense to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on edge" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of heightened nervousness, tension, or irritability. This is supported by Ludwig and its examples, which showcase its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on edge" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of nervousness, tension, or irritability. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it is best used to convey genuine anxiety or suspense, and Ludwig provides several alternatives like "anxious", "nervous", and "tense" for nuanced expression. The examples showcase its effectiveness in depicting internal states and creating atmospheric tension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on worry and unease.

nervous

Similar to "anxious", but emphasizes apprehension and agitation.

tense

This word highlights the physical and mental strain.

apprehensive

Focuses on a feeling of dread or anticipation of something negative.

uneasy

Implies a lack of comfort or security.

restless

Suggests an inability to relax or stay still due to anxiety.

on tenterhooks

This idiom expresses suspense and anticipation, often with anxiety.

keyed up

Describes a state of heightened excitement or nervousness.

jittery

Focuses on physical manifestations of nervousness, like shaking.

on pins and needles

Another idiom conveying nervous anticipation or suspense.

FAQs

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

You can use "on edge" to describe a feeling of being nervous, anxious, or irritable. For example: "Waiting for the test results made me feel on edge".

What are some alternatives to saying "on edge"?

Alternatives to "on edge" include "anxious", "nervous", or "tense" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on edge" in formal writing?

While "on edge" is acceptable in most contexts, in very formal writing, you might consider more sophisticated alternatives such as "apprehensive" or "uneasy".

What does it mean when someone says they are "on edge"?

When someone says they are "on edge", it means they are feeling stressed, anxious, and possibly irritable, often due to anticipation or uncertainty.