verge of war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verge of war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is very close to escalating into a conflict or war. Example: "The tensions between the two countries have reached a critical point, and they are now on the verge of war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

We're on the verge of war.

The New York Times - Arts

IN the years before their courtship, these companies were on the verge of war.

The New York Times

The world is on the verge of war and the squad is driving straight into it".

The Guardian - Tech

"The nation is on the verge of war, we're dealing with terrorism.

The New York Times

His efforts brought the area to the verge of war, prompting both Mexico and the United States to intervene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"What strikes me is this sense of this house perched in Brooklyn Heights on the verge of war," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Given IDT's history of careful acquisitions, this latest move carries the scent of a carefully timed acquisition attempt wrapped in on-the-verge-of-war patriotism.

Forbes

Jefferson was concerned that the U.S. and France were verging on the brink of war after the XYZ Affair and regarded him as an informal envoy.

Wikipedia

This brought the two powers to the verge of nuclear war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Listening to them, you'd think that Spain was on the verge of civil war.

The New York Times

"A year ago we were on the verge of civil war," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verge of war" to describe situations where conflict is highly probable but has not yet commenced. Ensure that the context clearly supports this interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "verge of war" when describing situations with ongoing but contained conflicts. This phrase suggests an immediate and widespread escalation that might not be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verge of war" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjectival modifier. It describes a noun (often a nation, relationship, or situation) as being in a state very close to war. Ludwig provides several examples of this usage in news and encyclopedia contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "verge of war" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where conflict is highly probable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to highlight the severity of a situation and warn of impending conflict. Alternatives such as "brink of war" or "cusp of war" offer similar meanings, though with slight nuances. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context accurately reflects the imminence of a full-scale conflict, avoiding its misuse in situations with contained or ongoing disputes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of war

Similar meaning, emphasizes being on the very edge of conflict.

cusp of war

Implies a turning point where war is highly likely.

threshold of war

Suggests crossing into a state of war.

edge of war

Like "brink", it conveys being close to war.

imminent war

Emphasizes the near certainty of war.

impending conflict

Broader term, not necessarily a full-scale war.

outbreak of hostilities

Refers to the start of warlike actions.

state of near-war

Describes a condition resembling war without formal declaration.

rising tensions

Focuses on the increasing possibility that the tensions will lead to war.

volatile situation

Describes a situation that is unstable and could easily escalate into war.

FAQs

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

You can use "verge of war" to describe a situation where conflict is highly probable. For example: "The two nations are on the verge of war after the border incident".

What are some alternatives to "verge of war"?

Some alternatives include "brink of war", "cusp of war", or "threshold of war".

Is it correct to say "verge to war" instead of "verge of war"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "verge of war". Using "verge to war" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "verge of war" and "state of war"?

"Verge of war" describes a situation where conflict is imminent, while "state of war" describes a situation where active conflict is already ongoing. They are not interchangeable.