on the rim

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the rim" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to describe something that is located near or around the edge, for example: "A lone flower bloomed on the rim of the cliff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a moment, with a dark thrill, one feels on the rim of that ecstatic rally.

The New Yorker

Several bones snagged on the rim.

The Guardian - Books

He did pull-ups on the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

No effect was noticed on the rim.

Acta Biomaterialia

The ball's on the rim, and it's not going in".

The New York Times - Sports

On the rim stands a small compound of buildings.

The New Yorker

He fixed a perplexed look on the rim afterward.

The New York Times - Sports

Ann sat on the rim dousing her legs.

The New Yorker

It's like being on the rim of the Grand Canyon".

The New York Times - Arts

A plump strawberry sat precariously on the rim.

The New York Times - Food

If you get a flat, drive on the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the rim" to clearly indicate a position at the edge of a physical object or a metaphorical boundary. For example, "The hotel is located on the rim of the Grand Canyon."

Common error

Avoid using "on the rim" in contexts where "on the verge" or "on the brink" would be more appropriate. "On the rim" usually refers to physical edges, not abstract states or situations. Don't say "The company is on the rim of bankruptcy" when you mean "on the verge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the rim" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun to indicate location or position. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, demonstrating its role in specifying where something is situated relative to an edge or boundary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the rim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread applicability across various domains, particularly in describing spatial relationships. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. When writing, ensure you're using it to denote a physical location at an edge, and avoid using it in more abstract, metaphorical contexts where phrases like "on the verge" might be more fitting. Remember that it maintains a relatively neutral tone, fitting diverse registers of writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the edge

Focuses on the location being the border or furthest point.

near the edge

Simply describes a location close to the border.

along the perimeter

Highlights the idea of following the boundary of an area.

along the border

Highlights proximity to a dividing line.

bordering the edge

Emphasizes the action of creating a border or edge.

on the boundary

Focuses on being located directly at the limit.

at the brink

Implies being very close to a significant event or state.

at the limit

Implies reaching the furthest extent or capacity.

on the periphery

Refers to something that's not central, but still connected.

at the circumference

Specifically refers to the outer boundary of a circle or sphere.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the rim" to describe the position of something located at the edge of an object or place, such as "The glass had salt "on the rim"" or "The building is "on the rim" of the volcano crater."

What are some alternatives to "on the rim"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "at the edge", "along the border", or "on the periphery" as alternatives to "on the rim".

Is it correct to say "in the rim" instead of "on the rim"?

No, it is not correct. "On the rim" is the standard and grammatically correct phrase to indicate a position at the edge or border of something. "In the rim" is not idiomatic and would generally be considered incorrect.

What does it mean when something is described as being "on the rim"?

When something is described as being "on the rim", it means that it is located at or very near the edge or border of a particular object or area. It suggests a position along the outer boundary.