on the verge of completing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of completing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is almost done with something. For example: "John is on the verge of completing his college degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At one point, the trophy was adorned in red and white ribbons and Atlético were on the verge of completing one of the great football stories.

The Guardian - Sport

The strapping 25-year-old was on the verge of completing a one-year training program to become a police officer in Karachi.

The New York Times

Twelve years later, Boehner, 60, is on the verge of completing a remarkable political comeback.

The Washington Post

Egypt international Mido is on the verge of completing a move to Barnsley from Zamalek.

Independent

Chelsea appear on the verge of completing a move for Brazil teenager Nathan.

The Guardian - Sport

And QPR are on the verge of completing a deal for Rio Ferdinand.

The Guardian - Sport

With Mohamed Elneny on the verge of completing a move, it's thought that Rabiot could be the other.

Independent

Cashman is on the verge of completing a three-year deal for about $1 million a season.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are on the verge of completing legislation that is in a league with Social Security and Medicare," said Representative Rosa DeLauro, Democrat of Connecticut.

The New York Times

Everton are on the verge of completing the signing of Leeds United's highly-rated right-back Sam Byram after the clubs agreed a £4m fee on Thursday.

Independent

Stamford Bridge is awash with transfer activity at the moment, with Kevin de Bruyne reportedly on the verge of completing a £16.7m move to Wolfsburg.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: This phrase works best when describing processes, projects, or events that have a clear endpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of completing" with abstract or continuous concepts that don't have a definitive endpoint. For example, it's better to say "on the verge of understanding" rather than "on the verge of completing understanding", as understanding is an ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of completing" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of near completion. It acts as an adjective, describing the subject's proximity to finishing something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the verge of completing" effectively conveys that something is very close to being finished. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, ensure to use it with tasks or events that have a definitive endpoint. While there are alternative phrases like ""close to finishing"" and ""nearly completed"", "on the verge of completing" adds a unique nuance of imminence. Therefore, use "on the verge of completing" confidently in your writing to signal the near completion of a project or task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to finishing

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey a similar meaning of nearing completion.

nearly completed

This alternative emphasizes the state of being almost entirely done.

about to conclude

This alternative focuses on the imminent conclusion of an event or task.

on the brink of finishing

Similar to the original, but "brink" adds a sense of immediacy and potential change.

nearing the end of

A more general phrase that can apply to various types of tasks or projects.

approaching completion

This version highlights the process of getting closer to the final stage.

in the final stages of

Focuses on the phase of the activity, rather than the immediacy of finishing.

at the tail end of

Indicates being at the very end of something, suggesting minimal work remaining.

drawing to a close

This alternative is more metaphorical, suggesting a gradual ending.

virtually complete

Emphasizes that only a very small amount of work remains.

FAQs

What does "on the verge of completing" mean?

The phrase "on the verge of completing" means that something is very close to being finished or accomplished. It indicates that the final stages are being reached and success is imminent.

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

You can use "on the verge of completing" to describe situations where a project, task, or event is nearing its end. For example: "The team is "on the verge of completing" the construction of the new bridge."

What are some alternatives to "on the verge of completing"?

Alternatives include "close to finishing", "nearly completed", or "about to conclude". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "on the verge of completing" formal or informal?

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