still on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of anxiety or nervousness that persists over time. Example: "After the unsettling news, I found myself still on edge for days, unable to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Flash forward to the next month's CAPS meeting -- held last week -- and while the attendees there were still "on edge" when it came to the continued perception of increased crime in the area, this time only 80 individuals turned out to discuss crime in the neighborhood, according to the Windy City Times.

Huffington Post

Dozens of black-clad security officers swarmed a wide avenue to detain one person, setting off fears in a city still on edge from the recent violence.

The Washington Post

The match was still on edge.

The New York Times - Sports

To be sure, businesses are still on edge.

The New York Times

But Thursday's defeat hurt and Djukic was still on edge.

The Guardian - Sport

The government is still on edge, wary that unrest could resume.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Her style is still on the edge: one recent morning she wore a white shirt with shorn sleeves (she cut them off herself), black pants and a gold razor-blade pendant.

The New York Times - Arts

A decade later, the boy still seems on edge.

The New York Times

Those arrests seemed to put a nervous city still further on edge.

The New York Times

But the country still seems on edge, as Mr. Annan seemed to sense.

The New York Times

Even with the praise for Mr. Lorre, CBS is still clearly on edge about the show, which before the Sheen implosion was the dominant comedy on television.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still on edge" to describe a lingering state of anxiety or nervousness following a specific event or situation. It effectively conveys that the initial cause of the anxiety has passed, but the feeling persists.

Common error

Avoid using "still on edge" to describe a constant, chronic state of anxiety. The phrase implies a temporary condition that lingers after an initial trigger. For chronic anxiety, consider terms like "perpetually anxious" or "constantly worried".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still on edge" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of continued anxiety or nervousness. As supported by Ludwig, it describes a persistent emotional state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "still on edge" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a lingering state of anxiety or nervousness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it effectively communicates that a feeling of unease persists even after the initial trigger has subsided. When writing, remember that "still on edge" implies a temporary state following an event, and alternatives like "remaining anxious" or "feeling unsettled" can provide similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining anxious

Focuses on the continuation of anxious feelings.

remaining nervous

Highlights the persistence of nervousness.

remaining apprehensive

Emphasizes a lingering feeling of unease or fear.

continuing to worry

Focuses on the ongoing mental state of worry.

remaining tense

Highlights the sustained physical tension.

feeling unsettled

Describes a continuing feeling of being disturbed or uneasy.

remaining on high alert

Emphasizes a state of heightened readiness or vigilance.

remaining vigilant

Highlights a continuing state of watchfulness.

remaining uneasy

Focuses on a continuing feeling of discomfort or anxiety.

continuing to fret

Highlights the repetitive nature of worrying.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "still on edge"?

Being "still on edge" means that someone continues to feel nervous, anxious, or tense even after a disturbing or threatening situation has passed. It implies a lingering sense of unease.

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

You can use "still on edge" to describe someone's emotional state after a stressful event. For example: "After the earthquake, the entire town was "still on edge"."

What are some alternatives to saying someone is "still on edge"?

Alternatives to "still on edge" include "remaining anxious", "remaining nervous", or "feeling unsettled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between being "on edge" and "still on edge"?

Yes, being "on edge" generally describes a current state of anxiety or tension. "Still on edge" indicates that this state persists from a previous event or cause. The addition of "still" emphasizes the continuation of the feeling.