verge of completion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of completion" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when an action has almost been accomplished, but not quite. For example: "The project is on the verge of completion, so we should be able to finish by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"After Ellen" is part of my next collection, which is now on the verge of completion.

The New Yorker

Calls always seem to drop just when a plan — to get an ambulance, say — is on the verge of completion.

The New Yorker

The sale of the successful automotive component division, which accounts for a further three, and of Remploy's CCTV monitoring business is on the verge of completion.

The Guardian

Griffiths is confident an accord on the competition to replace the Heineken Cup next season is on the verge of completion.

The Guardian - Sport

But the huge three-team deal they wanted to make came together quickly today, to the verge of completion, before falling apart.

The New York Times - Sports

Over and over again since last August, the Hearst Corporation's $660 million deal to buy The San Francisco Chronicle and abandon The San Francisco Examiner seemed on the verge of completion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She had been on the verge of closing the shop.

The New York Times

By 2007 the restaurant was on the verge of closing.

University of Chicago

Another remarked, "Likelihood of completion: Not clear".

The New Yorker

Coursera does award certificates of completion, however.

The New York Times

Because she needed that sense of completion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verge of completion" when you want to convey that something is very close to being finished, but not quite there yet. It adds a sense of anticipation or potential uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "verge of completion" when the task is already done. Using it implies the task is still in progress and not yet finalized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verge of completion" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate the state of being near the end of a process. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes projects, agreements, and even personal endeavors that are very close to being finalized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "verge of completion" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is nearly finished. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers various examples from reputable sources, predominantly in news and academic contexts. While suitable for neutral and professional communication, remember that it implies the task is not yet done. Consider alternatives like "almost complete" or "nearing completion" depending on your desired nuance and level of formality. Finally, avoid confusing it with completed actions, as it specifically refers to something still in progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost complete

A simpler and more straightforward way to express near completion.

about to be completed

Directly states the imminent nature of the completion.

nearing completion

Emphasizes the ongoing process of approaching completion.

on the cusp of completion

Suggests a more delicate or pivotal moment just before completion.

close to being finished

Implies a state of near completion, focusing on the result rather than the process.

approaching full completion

Highlights the continuous approaching towards full completion.

in the final stages

Highlights that the process is in its last phase.

at the last stage

Focuses on reaching the last stage before finishing.

drawing to a close

Evokes a sense of gradual ending and finality.

in its final stretch

Suggests a sense of urgency in the final steps to completion.

FAQs

How can I use "verge of completion" in a sentence?

You can use "verge of completion" to describe a project or task that is nearly finished. For example: "The new building is on the verge of completion, and we expect to open it next month".

What's a more formal alternative to "verge of completion"?

Alternatives such as "nearing completion" or "approaching full completion" are appropriate for formal contexts.

Is it correct to say "verge of complete" instead of "verge of completion"?

No, it is not correct. The correct usage is "verge of completion", where "completion" is a noun. Using "complete", which is an adjective, is grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "verge of completion"?

You can use alternatives like "almost complete", "close to being finished", or "about to be completed" depending on the nuance you want to convey.