on the verge of beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is about to start or is very close to starting. Example: "The team is on the verge of beginning the new project, and everyone is excited about the possibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

France and Britain are maintaining their current fleets, although Britain is on the verge of beginning the construction of a new one with U.S. assistance; Israel reportedly possesses one; China is apparently ready to launch one in 2014; India is set to launch its own in 2015; and Pakistan might be working to develop one.

Huffington Post

Last week, honey season was on the verge of beginning.

The New York Times - Food

I was on the verge of beginning to think and, yes, even dream in a foreign language.

The Guardian

After a decade seeking approval to build the U.S.'s first offshore wind farm, Cape Wind president Jim Gordon is on the verge of beginning construction.

Yale University

In 1998, Mr. Boone reported that the company's oil holdings were on the verge of beginning production and would bring in millions of dollars in revenues.

The New York Times

That is a new record, three times the energy of any other machine on earth, and means that the collider, after 15 years and $10 billion, is on the verge of beginning to do physics experiments.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The same day, Kemal, believing that the Allies were on the verge of defeat, began moving troops forward through "Wire Gulley", near the "400 Plateau" and "Lone Pine".

Wikipedia

By 1968, the disease seemed so utterly tamed that health officials in New York City, once a TB hotspot, believed the disease was on the verge of eradication and began to close its clinics.

The New Yorker

In June, the Department of Education discovered that the company was on the verge of collapse and began supervising a search for buyers for its more than 100 campuses and online operations.

Huffington Post

Gov. James E. McGreevey celebrated the Fourth of July at ground zero in Manhattan, and as he helped lay the cornerstone for the Freedom Tower, it appeared that he himself was on the verge of a new beginning.

The New York Times

By mocking himself, Kanye was on the verge of his new beginning.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing planned events, use "on the verge of beginning" to create a sense of heightened anticipation and immediacy, especially when the start has been long-awaited or carefully prepared.

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy. While "on the verge of beginning" is acceptable, ensure the context doesn't already imply imminence. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Alternatives like "about to commence" or "on the brink of starting" might be more concise in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of beginning" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something as being at the point of starting. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the verge of beginning" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the imminence of a start. It's versatile enough for neutral contexts, fitting well in news, academic papers, and everyday conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is valid, watch out for potential redundancy and consider concise alternatives when appropriate. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting its role in conveying timely and anticipated developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the point of starting

Emphasizes a specific moment just before the start, very close to the beginning.

on the brink of starting

Highlights the imminence of the start, suggesting a critical point before beginning.

about to initiate

Highlights the imminence of the act of initiating something.

about to commence

Emphasizes a formal start or initiation, slightly more elevated in tone.

near to starting

Indicates proximity in time or readiness to the starting point, a more straightforward alternative.

close to initiating

Implies a planned or deliberate start, with a sense of purpose.

nearing the start

Focuses on the approach to the starting point, indicating progress towards commencement.

ready to initiate

Focuses on preparedness and readiness to start, highlighting the state of being prepared.

at the threshold of launch

Suggests a more significant or formal initiation, such as a project or campaign.

on the cusp of inception

Emphasizes the very beginning or creation of something, a more formal and abstract alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "on the verge of beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "on the verge of beginning" to describe something that is about to start or is very close to starting. For example: "The project is on the verge of beginning, and the team is ready to start working."

What phrases are similar to "on the verge of beginning"?

Similar phrases include "about to commence", "on the brink of starting", or "close to initiating". These alternatives all convey the idea of something being close to its start.

Is it grammatically correct to say "on the verge of beginning"?

Yes, "on the verge of beginning" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

In what contexts is "on the verge of beginning" commonly used?

"On the verge of beginning" is often used in contexts related to projects, campaigns, or events that are about to start. It is commonly found in "news and media", academic writing, and general conversation.