poised on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poised on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is balanced or positioned in a way that suggests readiness or anticipation. Example: "The bird was poised on the edge of the branch, ready to take flight at any moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Travel

Books

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A visitor's eyes go from one to another of the striking objects poised on pedestals.

The New York Times

Goncharenko himself is poised on the brink of history.

The Guardian - Sport

Or perhaps poised on the verge of a sheriff's auction.

The New York Times

But they are also poised on the brink of extinction.

The Guardian - Travel

The fight there is poised on a knife edge.

The Guardian

Lear's subject was the eccentric individual, poised on its perch.

The New Yorker

Historically, MacLeod's people are poised on a cusp.

The New York Times - Books

We'll be more prepared and more poised on Sunday".

The New York Times - Sports

The band seem poised on the edge of bigger things.

The Guardian - Music

1," but also poised on its most prosperous decade.

The New York Times - Books

Stanford is poised on the cutting edge of medical education research.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "poised on" to create a sense of anticipation or delicate balance. It works effectively when describing both physical states (e.g., "poised on a ledge") and abstract situations (e.g., "poised on the brink of change").

Common error

Avoid using "poised on" in every situation that implies readiness. Overusing it, especially in otherwise mundane contexts, can make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives when the situation doesn't warrant a heightened sense of anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poised on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of balance, readiness, or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing both physical positions and abstract situations. For example, someone can be poised on a ledge or an economy can be poised on the brink of change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Arts

13%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Sports

7%

Books

7%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poised on" is a prepositional phrase signifying a state of balance, readiness, or proximity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media, Arts and Encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, it's best employed when conveying anticipation or delicate equilibrium, avoiding overuse in mundane scenarios. Alternatives such as "on the brink of" or "on the verge of" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of

Emphasizes being very close to the edge of a significant event or change.

on the verge of

Similar to "on the brink of", suggesting nearness to a crucial moment.

balanced on

Focuses on the state of physical or metaphorical equilibrium before a potential shift.

at the edge of

Focuses on spatial proximity to a boundary or transition.

ready for

Highlights the state of preparedness and anticipation.

set for

Indicates a state of being prepared and arranged for something.

positioned at

Emphasizes a specific location or arrangement in relation to something else.

about to

Implies immediate imminence of an event.

situated upon

Indicates a formal or literal placement on a surface or foundation.

leaning towards

Suggests a directional bias or inclination towards a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "poised on" in a sentence?

The phrase "poised on" is used to describe something or someone that is balanced or ready to do something. For example, "The dancer was poised on her toes", or "The company is "on the brink of" a major breakthrough".

What's a good alternative to "poised on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "on the verge of", "balanced on", or "ready for". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "poised on" instead of "on the verge of"?

While both phrases indicate proximity to an event, "poised on" often suggests a more delicate balance or a state of readiness. "On the verge of" simply implies nearness. Consider "The acrobat was poised on the wire" versus "The country was "on the verge of" war".

Is "poised on" more formal than other similar phrases?

Yes, "poised on" tends to be more formal than phrases like "about to" or "getting ready for". It's often found in literary or journalistic contexts where a slightly elevated tone is appropriate.