on the verge of expiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of expiring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is about to end or cease to exist, such as a deadline, a subscription, or a perishable item. Example: "The milk is on the verge of expiring, so we should use it soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Though apparently on the verge of expiring at any moment, Duvall enlivens the film for a scene or two with his odd twinkling stoicism.

Independent

Democrats know that many are broadly popular, and Congress has voted repeatedly to extend the tax cuts on the verge of expiring.

The New York Times

At Reebok, for example, the chief executive, Paul B. Fireman, held some 500,000 options that were on the verge of expiring worthless, until Reebok's board extended their term by 10 years, according to the company's recent proxy.

The New York Times

Turns out the company used that money to purchase company stock from Mark after he exercised a bunch of options on the verge of expiring.

Forbes

With Congress set to adjourn as soon as Friday night, the legislation is on the verge of expiring without action.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

More than one person was on the verge of tears.

The New Yorker

8 P.M. (FX) THE PROPOSAL (2009) Sandra Bullock plays Margaret Tate, a Type A publishing executive in towering heels on the verge of being deported to Canada after her visa expires.

The New York Times

Yet these same politicians are on the verge of allowing modest but vital tax credits to expire that are crucial to the future of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

The New York Times

It was on the verge of cohering.

The New York Times

It's on the verge of insanity.

The New Yorker

Arthur seemed on the verge of resurrection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the subject is something that can logically expire, such as a contract, offer, or perishable item.

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of expiring" to describe something that doesn't have a defined expiration date. For example, instead of saying "Their friendship was on the verge of expiring", consider a phrase like "Their friendship was on the verge of ending" or "Their friendship was failing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of expiring" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something is in the final stages before its expiration date or termination. This is shown in Ludwig's examples where it describes things like "tax cuts" or "legislation".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the verge of expiring" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote that something is nearing its expiration date. Ludwig AI shows that it commonly appears in contexts where there's a sense of urgency, such as news and media reports. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively rare. When writing, be sure to use it for items that can logically expire and to avoid applying it to abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching expiration

Directly references the act of expiring, similar in meaning but more explicit.

set to expire soon

Indicates a scheduled or predetermined expiration in the near future.

about to lapse

Focuses specifically on the termination of a right or agreement.

close to termination

Emphasizes the official or formal end of something.

nearing its end

More general and can apply to various contexts where something is coming to a close.

nearing obsolescence

Specifically relates to something becoming outdated or no longer useful.

drawing to a close

A more literary or formal way of saying something is ending.

about to run out

Commonly used for resources or supplies that are almost depleted.

almost finished

Implies a state of near completion, suitable for projects or tasks.

at the last stage

Highlights the final phase of a process or event.

FAQs

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

Use "on the verge of expiring" to describe something that is nearing its expiration date. For example, "The coupon is "on the verge of expiring", so use it before it's too late".

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

Alternatives include "about to lapse", "nearing its end", or "approaching expiration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "on the verge to expire"?

No, the correct phrasing is "on the verge of expiring". The preposition "of" is required after "verge" in this context.

What's the difference between "on the verge of expiring" and "already expired"?

"On the verge of expiring" means something is about to expire, while "already expired" means it has passed its expiration date. One describes an imminent event, the other a completed one.