on the verge of being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of being" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is very close to happening or becoming a certain state. Example: "The project is on the verge of being completed, and we expect to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At one point last summer, it appeared that Bonds was on the verge of being indicted.

The New York Times - Sports

He's on the verge of being a crossover-type spokesman".

The New York Times - Sports

You understand you're on the verge of being there".

The New York Times - Sports

Her vehicle is on the verge of being repossessed.

The New York Times

"He's on the verge of being a rock star.

The New York Times

I think he's on the verge of being offended.

The Guardian - Film

The crime is on the verge of being solved.

The New Yorker

But punches were on the verge of being thrown.

The New York Times - Books

A home on the verge of being lost.

The New York Times

He was on the verge of being quite drunk.

The New Yorker

He was on the verge of being evicted from his home.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the verge of being" to express that something is highly likely to occur or transition into a specific state in the near future. Ensure the context clearly supports this imminent change.

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of being" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "about to be" or "close to being" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of being" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of near occurrence or transition. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to express that something is imminently approaching a particular condition or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the verge of being" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the imminence of a particular state or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance your writing, remember to use this phrase to express a high likelihood of an event occurring soon, while also being mindful of overusing it. Alternatives such as "about to be" and "close to being" can provide variation. With its clear and impactful meaning, "on the verge of being" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to be

This alternative is more concise and direct, focusing on the immediacy of the action or state.

on the brink of

This alternative emphasizes the precariousness or critical point before a change.

on the cusp of

This alternative highlights the transitional nature of the situation.

close to being

This alternative uses a simpler structure, focusing on proximity to a state.

at the point of

This alternative focuses on the specific moment just before a change.

nearing the point of

This alternative is more descriptive, indicating a gradual approach to a specific state.

approaching the state of

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing the progression toward a new condition.

in danger of

This alternative implies a negative consequence that is likely to occur soon.

in the process of becoming

This alternative is more descriptive emphasizing a gradual state transition.

all but

This alternative is an idiom and serves as a more concise substitution.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on the verge of being"?

To be "on the verge of being" means that something is very close to happening or reaching a particular state. It implies that the event or change is imminent.

What can I say instead of "on the verge of being"?

You can use alternatives like "about to be", "close to being", or "on the brink of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on the verge to be" instead of "on the verge of being"?

No, the correct form is "on the verge of being". The preposition "of" is required before the gerund "being".

How formal is the phrase "on the verge of being"?

The phrase "on the verge of being" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.