the edge of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the edge of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the boundary or limit of an object, concept, or situation. Example: "Standing at the edge of the cliff, she felt a rush of adrenaline as she looked down at the ocean below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We're really at the edge of something transformational," he added.

The New York Times - Science

We'd walked up to the edge of something and flinched.

The New Yorker

Do we feel on the edge of something historic?

The New York Times

"I was on the edge of something wondrous," Rabinowitz writes.

The New York Times - Books

"I love characters that are on the edge of something," she said.

The New York Times

"All the artists are working on the edge of something," Mr. Storr said.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Through this iterative process — tinkering at the edges of something enormously complex — a picture of the overall behavior of an ecosystem is gained slowly rather than all at once, and the nature of the many interacting pieces of a single organism is constructed.

Harvard Business Review

It is hard to read stories like this one and the one about Cattabiani's protégé, William Peace, and not get a sense that these two men and a great many men and women like them, at least brush the edges of something genuinely gallant, however industrial, however small the scale.

Harvard Business Review

The edges of the real landscape became one with the edges of something I had dreamed.

Huffington Post

"Sometimes on the edge of vision something flickers," he says, before heading off with his suitcase to Morecambe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chris Christie referred to Springsteen again — listening to "Darkness on the Edge of Town" — something that the Boss doesn't seem to appreciate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the edge of something" to create a sense of anticipation or uncertainty about an impending event or change. For example, "The company stood on the edge of something revolutionary, poised to disrupt the entire industry."

Common error

Avoid using "the edge of something" when referring to completed events or established situations. The phrase is most effective when indicating an ongoing process or an imminent transition, not a past event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the edge of something" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig shows it is used to describe a state of anticipation or transition. Its usage suggests nearness to a significant event, change, or discovery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Travel

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the edge of something" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the feeling of being close to a significant event or change. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. The phrase evokes a sense of anticipation, uncertainty, or potential and is appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts. While it's crucial to use it when referring to ongoing processes rather than completed events. Consider alternative phrases like "on the brink of something" or "at the cusp of something" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of something

Indicates being very close to the occurrence of something, often something significant or potentially dangerous.

on the verge of something

Similar to 'brink', suggesting nearness to a particular state or event.

at the cusp of something

Highlights a transitional phase or the beginning of a new development.

approaching something

Focuses on the movement or progression toward a particular event or state.

nearing something

Similar to 'approaching', emphasizing the diminishing distance to a specific endpoint.

close to something

Denotes physical or metaphorical proximity.

in proximity to something

A more formal way of indicating nearness or closeness.

on the periphery of something

Suggests being near the boundary or outer limit of something.

bordering on something

Implies a close resemblance or similarity, often with a nuance of transition.

adjacent to something

Highlights the position of being next to or adjoining something else.

FAQs

How can I use "the edge of something" in a sentence?

You can use "the edge of something" to describe a situation that is close to a significant change or event. For example, "The scientific community felt they were on "the edge of something" groundbreaking with the new discovery."

What phrases are similar to "the edge of something"?

Similar phrases include "on the brink of something", "on the verge of something", or "at the cusp of something". These all suggest being close to a significant event or change.

Is it appropriate to use "the edge of something" in formal writing?

Yes, "the edge of something" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a potential turning point or transformative moment. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

How does "the edge of something" differ from "the end of something"?

"The edge of something" implies an imminent beginning or transformation, suggesting potential and uncertainty. In contrast, "the end of something" indicates a conclusion or cessation, signifying finality and completion.