remain on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of anxiety or nervousness, often in anticipation of something that may happen. Example: "After hearing the news, I couldn't help but remain on edge, waiting for further updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But leaders remain on edge.

The Economist

Still, nerves remain on edge at Jirau, which is scheduled to start producing electricity in 2013.

The New York Times

Although many people remain on edge, the break-ins appear to have abated.

The New York Times

But heading into the last third of the year, many people remain on edge.

The Washington Post

And with the stakes of a shutdown or a debt default so high, opponents of the pipeline remain on edge.

The New York Times

All four countries have recalled their ambassadors.Many trouble-spots around the country, associated with the Speight putsch, remain on edge.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Investors remained on edge on Friday, and the stock market continued to be buffeted by bouts of volatility.

The New York Times

Still, as the killer remains at large, the county's homeless have remained on edge.

The New York Times

But the city remained on edge.

The New York Times

Federal authorities remained on edge today.

The New York Times

The neighborhood remained on edge after the morning's riots, with fires smoldering on deserted streets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remain on edge", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the sustained anxiety. For example, specify what event or situation is causing the heightened state of alertness.

Common error

While "remain on edge" is acceptable in various contexts, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "still worried" or "anxious" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain on edge" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous state of heightened anxiety or alertness. It suggests a sustained condition of being nervous or tense, often due to anticipation or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain on edge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a continued state of anxiety or nervousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, appearing frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "remain on edge", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of this anxiety. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing the phrase in very informal settings where simpler alternatives might suffice. Remember that understanding the specific nuance you want to convey will help guide your choice among synonyms like "stay apprehensive" or "continue to be anxious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay apprehensive

Focuses on continued worry or fear about potential future events.

continue to be anxious

Highlights the ongoing nature of the anxiety.

persist in a state of unease

Emphasizes the lasting discomfort and lack of peace.

maintain a state of alertness

Shifts the focus slightly to vigilance and readiness for something to happen.

be on high alert

Conveys a sense of heightened readiness and vigilance.

keep on tenterhooks

Emphasizes suspense and anticipation, often with an element of discomfort.

feel uneasy

Highlights the internal sensation of discomfort and anxiety.

sustain a level of tension

Implies a conscious effort to manage or endure the stress.

hold one's breath

Figurative expression, shows the anticipation of something to happen.

sweat bullets

Suggests intense nervousness and fear.

FAQs

How can I use "remain on edge" in a sentence?

You can use "remain on edge" to describe a state of continued anxiety or nervousness about something that might happen. For example: "After the threats, the community "remained on edge"".

What's a more informal way to say "remain on edge"?

Informally, you could say someone is "still worried", "uneasy", or "anxious" instead of using "remain on edge".

Is it better to use "remained on edge" or "stayed on edge"?

"Remained on edge" and "stayed on edge" are similar, but ""remained on edge"" often implies a continuation of a previous state, while "stayed on edge" can suggest a more deliberate choice to be alert.

What can I say instead of "I remain on edge"?

Alternatives include "I'm still apprehensive", "I continue to be anxious", or "I "feel uneasy"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.