slightly on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being somewhat anxious or tense, often in a social or emotional context. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, I felt slightly on edge throughout the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Their presence put at least one member of the audience at Ms. Larkin's show slightly on edge.

The New York Times

Rather than satisfied, it leaves you slightly on edge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Everything is calculated to keep patrons slightly on edge.

The New York Times - Food

Throughout the piece — even in the more typically easygoing Andante — a pervasively restless current kept the work slightly on edge.

The New York Times - Arts

But with first-quarter earnings reports ready to come out in April, and mixed economic data continuing to trickle out, investors are slightly on edge.

The New York Times

At a cocktail reception at the Sheraton on Sunday night, the television personality Tom Arnold, who appeared slightly on edge as he mingled, vouched for his friend's character.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

His slightly on-the-edge playing style makes him prone to rough challenges and getting involved in the odd scrap.

The Guardian - Sport

The new find amounts to a few dozen slivers of stone, slightly curved on one edge, that are only a few centimeters long on average.

Science Magazine

Jerusalem - city on edge.

BBC

She is very thin, slightly fragile-looking, and this day seemed somewhat on edge.

The New Yorker

And comedy should exist in an area of things being slightly on the edge".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in writing, consider using "slightly on edge" to convey a subtle sense of unease without resorting to stronger terms like "anxious" or "nervous".

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse of "slightly on edge" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language that directly addresses the specific emotion or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly on edge" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of mild anxiety or tension. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly on edge" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a state of mild anxiety or tension. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its acceptability and frequent use, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for many contexts, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic or business writing where precision is key. When aiming to convey a subtle sense of unease, "slightly on edge" offers a nuanced option that falls short of stronger emotions like anxiety or nervousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat anxious

Replaces "slightly on edge" with a more direct description of anxiety, focusing on the feeling itself.

a bit uneasy

Substitutes "on edge" with "uneasy", indicating a mild level of discomfort or anxiety.

rather tense

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more straightforward description of tension.

slightly apprehensive

Uses a more formal and precise term, "apprehensive", to convey a mild sense of worry about the future.

a little nervous

Emphasizes the nervousness aspect of being "on edge", suggesting a slightly heightened state of anticipation or worry.

a little on the anxious side

Rephrases the sentence to include anxious

somewhat on tenterhooks

Replaces "slightly on edge" with a more colorful idiom.

a little strung out

Implies a slightly more extreme form of tension, bordering on being overwhelmed or exhausted.

a bit on pins and needles

Uses a vivid image to describe a state of nervous anticipation or anxiety.

somewhat jittery

Focuses on the physical manifestation of nervousness, such as trembling or restlessness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly on edge" to describe a state of mild anxiety or tension. For instance, "She felt "slightly on edge" before the presentation".

What's the difference between "slightly on edge" and "anxious"?

"Slightly on edge" implies a milder form of worry or tension compared to "anxious", which suggests a more pronounced and pervasive state of unease.

Are there any synonyms for "slightly on edge"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a bit uneasy", "somewhat tense", or "a little nervous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It can be acceptable in some contexts, but in highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives that directly express the specific emotion or concern. Using a term like "somewhat apprehensive" may be more suitable.