verge on attaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verge on attaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is close to achieving or reaching a particular goal or state. Example: "The team is on the verge of attaining their sales target for the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eleven survivors of a border crossing that left 14 others dead in the scorching Arizona desert are on the verge of attaining a piece of the life they risked so much for.

Los Angeles Times

But he also thought that there was a special kind of technological beauty, uniquely realizable in the medium of computers, which itself verged on, and sometimes attained, the status of art.

The New Yorker

Leyster verged on one of her own.

The New Yorker

They verge on the grotesque.

The New York Times - Arts

A few verge on cheesecake.

The New York Times - Books

Unfunded liabilities verge on a stratospheric $20 billion.

The New York Times

Pity can sometimes verge on disgust.

The New Yorker

So sure, the clothes verge on crafty.

The New York Times

Some speeches verge on workmanlike melodrama, too.

The New York Times

Now they verge on spectacular.

The New York Times - Arts

His demands verge on insanity...

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "verge on attaining", consider the context and whether a more common phrase like "close to achieving" would sound more natural. While grammatically correct, less frequent phrases can sometimes sound stilted.

Common error

Avoid using "verge on attaining" in informal contexts. This phrase carries a degree of formality that may be inappropriate for casual conversation or writing. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives like "almost reaching".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verge on attaining" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action nearing completion or achievement. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is grammatically sound, suggesting its viability for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "verge on attaining" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate nearing the achievement of something. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, its relative infrequency suggests that more common alternatives like "close to achieving" might be preferable in many contexts. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for formal writing, though potentially less appropriate for casual conversation. Always consider your audience and the intended tone when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the threshold of attainment

Uses a more formal tone to indicate nearing the achievement.

on the cusp of achieving

Implies being at the very edge of a successful result.

on the brink of success

Highlights the precarious but promising position just before a victory.

within reach of achieving

Emphasizes that the achievement is close and attainable.

almost achieve

Focuses on the near completion of achieving something.

nearly accomplish

Focuses on almost completing the accomplishment.

nearing achievement

Emphasizes the process of approaching a successful outcome.

about to secure

Suggests the imminence of obtaining or gaining something.

close to realizing

Highlights the proximity to making something a reality.

approaching realization

Indicates the gradual coming into being of something planned.

FAQs

What does "verge on attaining" mean?

The phrase "verge on attaining" means to be very close to achieving or reaching a particular goal, state, or condition. It suggests nearing the point of accomplishment.

How can I use "verge on attaining" in a sentence?

You can use "verge on attaining" to describe a situation where someone or something is on the brink of achieving a specific outcome. For example: "After years of hard work, the company is on the verge of attaining its financial goals."

What are some alternatives to "verge on attaining"?

Alternatives to "verge on attaining" include phrases like "close to achieving", "nearly reaching", "on the cusp of", or "about to attain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "verge on attaining" or "close to attaining"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "close to attaining" is generally more common and may sound more natural in many contexts. "Verge on attaining" carries a slightly more formal tone.