on its tip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on its tip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is balanced or positioned precariously on the edge or point of an object. Example: "The cat stood on its tip, trying to reach the bird perched on the windowsill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

She is busty and short-waisted with small legs; sort of like a turnip turned on its tip.

The New York Times

The fascination with Snooki, Horyn writes, lies partly in her looks: "She is busty and short-waisted with small legs; sort of like a turnip turned on its tip"; but also in her personality, that is to say in her brain, the thing that sits beneath the "half-doughnut-shaped pouf on top of her head".

The New Yorker

Later Ms. Centurión turned Mr. Missé, while he again kept his feet locked together; though one foot rested on its tip, it was the needle around which he and she revolved.

The New York Times - Arts

Stand it on its tip and it resembles a 1in tall replica of an old-fashioned spinning top.

The Guardian

Imagine, for example, a pencil standing on its tip; it will eventually fall over and point only one way out of many possibilities.

The New York Times - Science

At a royal command performance, Eisenheim takes the prince's sword, balances it on its tip on the floor, evokes the myth of Excalibur and invites soldiers in the audience to remove it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The Thai chain did not respond to requests for clarification on its tipping system.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The upmarket group of Italian restaurants in Manchester, Leeds and several other major cities did not respond to requests for clarification on its tipping system.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On its tips Leger intended to place a series of pictures in mosaics, showing, in his style, G.I.s, their mothers, their wives, the American flag, the face and upraised hand of the Statue of Liberty, and some skyscrapers.

The New Yorker

Results show the nanowires with catalytic material on its tips (the Si signal comes from the substrate).

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

As the clock moved past the hour mark, this was a match perched on its tipping point.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on its tip" to vividly describe objects balanced precariously or situations that are on the verge of change, creating a strong visual or conceptual image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "on its tip" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the imagery of a physical tip doesn't resonate. Opt for more suitable phrases like "at its peak" or "on the verge" for abstract scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on its tip" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause to indicate location or state. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, as showcased in examples like "a pencil standing on its tip" or "the lighthouse on its tip".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science & Research

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on its tip" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to depict precarious balance or positioning at an extreme point. As Ludwig confirms, it finds application across diverse fields like news, science, and general writing. While not exceedingly common, it is versatile. Usage involves describing a point of instability or critical juncture. When using "on its tip", ensure the context warrants the vivid imagery of something balanced precariously. Alternatives include "at its apex" or "on the verge", depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its extremity

Replaces "tip" with "extremity", highlighting the furthest point from the center.

at its apex

Replaces "tip" with "apex", focusing on the highest point rather than the extremity of an object.

on the point

A more general way of indicating a specific location, without implying instability.

at its peak

Focuses on the moment of greatest intensity or achievement rather than a physical point.

at the pinnacle

Similar to "apex", but often implies a position of great achievement or status.

on its edge

Emphasizes being on the brink or verge of something, replacing the specific point with a more general boundary.

at the crest

Implies reaching the highest point of a wave or a similar curved form.

in an unstable position

Shifts the focus to the lack of stability rather than the specific location.

in a precarious balance

Highlights the delicate and potentially unstable state of equilibrium.

on the verge

Describes being close to a state or event, rather than a physical location.

FAQs

How can I use "on its tip" in a sentence?

You can use "on its tip" to describe something that is physically balanced at a point, or figuratively to mean something is on the verge of change. For example, "The spinning top balanced precariously on its tip" or "The company's future was balanced on its tip after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "on its tip"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "at its apex", "at its peak", or "on the verge".

Is it correct to say "on it's tip" instead of "on its tip"?

No, "on it's tip" is incorrect. The correct possessive form is "its", not "it's". "It's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has".

When is it appropriate to use "on its tip" figuratively?

It is appropriate to use "on its tip" figuratively when describing a situation that is at a critical point or a turning point, similar to being precariously balanced and easily tipped in one direction or another. For example, "The negotiations were on its tip, with both sides unwilling to compromise".