on the verge of completion

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the verge of completion" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this expression to indicate that something is close to being finished. For example, "The project is on the verge of completion and we are just waiting for the final pieces to come together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At the same time, it served the dramatic action extremely well by expressing the lovers' unconsummated desire for one another, since Wagner's harmonies hover continuously on the verge of completion.

Britannica

"After Ellen" is part of my next collection, which is now on the verge of completion.

The New Yorker

Calls always seem to drop just when a plan — to get an ambulance, say — is on the verge of completion.

The New Yorker

The sale of the successful automotive component division, which accounts for a further three, and of Remploy's CCTV monitoring business is on the verge of completion.

The Guardian

Griffiths is confident an accord on the competition to replace the Heineken Cup next season is on the verge of completion.

The Guardian - Sport

Over and over again since last August, the Hearst Corporation's $660 million deal to buy The San Francisco Chronicle and abandon The San Francisco Examiner seemed on the verge of completion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She had been on the verge of closing the shop.

The New York Times

By 2007 the restaurant was on the verge of closing.

University of Chicago

The film put them on the verge of closing down.

Wikipedia

More than one person was on the verge of tears.

The New Yorker

Mus81-Mms4/EME1 Mus81-Mms4/EME1 Mus81-Mms4/EME1andpecial class of enzYen1/GEN1lvemergesatosfy the cellular needefineafeguarding the completion of DNA repair when on the verge of chromospecialgregation.

DNA Repair

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the verge of completion" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency, highlighting that a project or process is nearly finished. This can be particularly effective in reports, presentations, or progress updates.

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of completion" when the task is already finished. "On the verge of completion" indicates that something is almost done, not that it is done. Use "completed" or "finished" instead when the task is entirely finalized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of completion" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause, indicating the state of being very near to the end of a process or project. It describes the imminence of something being finished. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on the verge of completion" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something nearing its finished state. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news, academia, and encyclopedias. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys anticipation and progress. Consider alternatives like "nearing completion" or "almost complete" for slight variations in tone. When writing, be mindful not to use it interchangeably with "completed", as it specifically denotes a state of being nearly finished. According to Ludwig, the phrase is well accepted and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing completion

Focuses more directly on the act of approaching completion, a more direct phrase.

on the brink of being done

Similar to the original, but uses a more colloquial tone with 'being done'.

almost complete

A simpler and more direct way of expressing near completion.

approaching finalization

Similar to 'nearing completion' but focuses on the formal act of finalizing.

close to being finished

More informal and emphasizes the state of being finished.

about to be finalized

Focuses on the act of making something final.

in the final stages

Highlights that the process is in its last phase.

nearing its end

Emphasizes the termination of the process.

drawing to a close

More metaphorical, suggesting a gradual ending.

in the home stretch

An idiomatic expression indicating the final part of a race or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the verge of completion" to describe something that is nearly finished. For example, "The building project is "on the verge of completion" and will be ready for occupancy next month."

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

You can use alternatives such as "nearing completion", "almost complete", or "in the final stages".

Is it appropriate to use "on the verge of completion" in formal writing?

Yes, ""on the verge of completion"" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate that something is close to being finished.

What's the difference between "on the verge of completion" and "completed"?

"On the verge of completion" means that something is very close to being finished but not quite there yet. "Completed", on the other hand, indicates that something is entirely finished and requires no further work.