on the brim

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the brim" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the extreme edge of something, particularly when referring to a cup or container. For example, "She placed her teacup on the brim, so that none of the liquid spilled over the edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

To thank Gordon for his contributions to the sport, Petty presented one of his trademark cowboy hats with his signature on the brim.

Los Angeles Times

Disgusted, he throws down his hat (sunglasses were on the brim).

The New York Times

Known to other occupiers as Sage, he had written "SAGE'S" on the brim of his baseball cap in marker.

The New Yorker

6. Cut a notch into the side of the chili, stand it on the brim of the glass and serve.

The New York Times

On the brim of Eenhoorn's cap, just above his sunglasses, he has written the initials of both boys.

The New York Times - Sports

/ On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, / praise song for walking forward in that light".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl.

WikiHow

Instead, caught in vivid closeup like the lines ingrained on the weathered skin of their faces, it's the sounds that tell a story: chalk screeches across a blackboard; water drips on to the brim of a hat and, in the dead stillness of the desert outside, a windpump gently squeaks.

The Guardian - Music

It had long ago lost its shape and its band, and moths had eaten a pattern on the edge of the brim.

The New Yorker

He took off his hard hat and showed me the underside of the brim, on which he had recorded, in black Sharpie, the names and dates of big events they've handled, among them the Olympic Games in Sydney, Athens, Beijing, and London.

The New Yorker

Pierce two small holes on either side of the brim, spaced evenly across from each other.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the brim" to describe a hat, ensure that the context clarifies the specific feature being highlighted, such as a decoration or writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on the brim" in purely abstract situations where a literal edge or rim is not relevant. Opt for phrases like "bordering on" or "verging on" instead to describe states or conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the brim" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating a location or position. As Ludwig AI explains, the examples provided by Ludwig show it describing where something is situated relative to the edge of an object, most commonly a hat or container.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the brim" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase, frequently employed to specify a location at the edge of an object, especially hats or containers. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts. To ensure precise and effective communication, use "on the brim" when describing physical placements, and consider alternatives like "bordering on" for more abstract scenarios. Always consider the context to ensure that the imagery of an edge or rim is fitting, maximizing clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the edge

Replaces "brim" with a more general term for edge, losing the specific connotation of a container or hat.

at the lip

Uses "lip" as a synonym for "brim", focusing on the edge of a container.

near the rim

Similar to "at the edge", using "rim" as a synonym for "brim".

over the edge

Indicates something extending beyond the edge, implying a precarious position.

bordering on

Suggests a state close to a certain condition or quality, rather than a physical location.

verging on

Similar to "bordering on", implying a state approaching a particular condition.

at the threshold

Implies being at the entrance or beginning of something, not necessarily a physical edge.

on the threshold

Synonymous with "at the threshold", indicating a starting point.

close to the margin

Indicates proximity to a boundary or limit, often in a figurative sense.

approaching the limit

Implies nearing a maximum or extreme, rather than a physical edge.

FAQs

How can I use "on the brim" in a sentence?

You can use "on the brim" to describe the position of something located at the edge of an object, like "The sunglasses were perched "on the brim" of his hat".

What's the difference between "on the brim" and "at the edge"?

"On the brim" typically refers to the specific edge of a container or hat, while "at the edge" is a more general term that can apply to any boundary or border.

Can I use "on the brim" to describe abstract concepts?

While "on the brim" is typically used for physical objects, it can be used metaphorically to describe something close to a limit or boundary, but should be used with caution. Alternatives like "bordering on" or "verging on" may be more appropriate in abstract contexts.

What are some alternative phrases to "on the brim"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "at the edge", "near the rim", or "over the edge". These alternatives offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis.