put me on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'put me on edge' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are feeling tense or anxious about something. For example: The upcoming exam put me on edge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Don't do anything else to put me on edge".

The New York Times - Sports

But Christmas put me on edge, making me feel even more different and angry.

The New York Times

I didn't mind her tough questions, but her tone of voice put me on edge.

The New York Times - Health

"Can we make some time to discuss whether I can wear makeup?" This put me on edge.

The New York Times

He'd make these noises sometimes, painful grunts when he picked up the sack of clubs, and it put me on edge and even disgusted me.

The New Yorker

A full stomach put me on edge, but fullness also came with emotional safety.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Hunger and fullness put me on-edge.

Huffington Post

"It puts me on edge," said Dr. Elisburg, who has spent her career treating the poor.

The New York Times

All dogs are filled with an odd nervous energy that puts me on edge.

Vice

He recently had skin cancer surgery, putting me on edge since familial melanoma is a genetic condition.

Vice

I'd describe more of what they talk about but the make-out anticipation in interviewer guy's voice is severely putting me on edge.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put me on edge" when you want to express that something is making you feel nervous, anxious, or uneasy. It's suitable for describing situations, people, or even your own internal states.

Common error

Avoid using "put me over the edge" when you mean "put me on edge". "Put me over the edge" means something has pushed you past your breaking point, while "put me on edge" means something is making you nervous or anxious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put me on edge" functions as a causative expression, indicating that something or someone is causing a state of nervousness or unease in the speaker. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Examples show it describing reactions to situations, tones of voice, or even internal feelings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put me on edge" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of nervousness or unease caused by external factors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it holds a neutral register, making it versatile for various communication scenarios. Remember to differentiate it from "put me over the edge", which indicates exceeding one's breaking point. Consider alternatives like "make me anxious" or "unsettle me" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make me anxious

Focuses more specifically on causing anxiety rather than a general sense of unease.

make me nervous

Highlights the feeling of nervousness, often in anticipation of something.

unsettle me

Implies a disruption of one's peace of mind, making one feel uneasy.

make me uneasy

Directly expresses the feeling of being uncomfortable or apprehensive.

put me on pins and needles

Emphasizes a state of heightened anticipation or anxiety.

get on my nerves

Indicates annoyance or irritation, leading to a state of being on edge.

make me apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of fear or dread about a future event.

rattle my nerves

Suggests a disruption of composure, causing nervousness.

make me tense

Focuses on the physical sensation of tension and tightness.

put me on high alert

Conveys a sense of vigilance and readiness for potential threats.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "puts me on edge"?

When something "puts you on edge", it means it's making you feel nervous, anxious, or uneasy. It suggests a state of heightened awareness or tension.

What can I say instead of "put me on edge"?

You can use alternatives like "make me anxious", "make me nervous", or "unsettle me" depending on the specific feeling you want to convey.

How is "put me on edge" different from "put me over the edge"?

"Put me on edge" means to make someone feel nervous or anxious, whereas "put me over the edge" means to push someone past their breaking point, often leading to an emotional breakdown.

Is it appropriate to use "put me on edge" in formal writing?

While "put me on edge" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "made me apprehensive" or "caused me concern" in academic or professional contexts. The appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing.