verging on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verging on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is approaching a certain state or condition, often implying that it is very close to that state. Example: "Her behavior was verging on obsessive, making her friends concerned for her well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All under one roof, is verging on the fabled.

III-Vs Review

It's verging on comical.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Verging on inedible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

ATMOSPHERE -- Verging on futuristic.

The New York Times

Verging on being OK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"O.K.," Loria said, verging on impatient.

The New Yorker

Or was it verging on harassment?

Independent

Verging on Christmas cake though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nice, but verging on claggy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

steady verging on good from these two.

The Guardian - Sport

It's wardrobe confidence verging on cockiness.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verging on" to add nuance when describing something that is approaching a particular state or quality, especially when it is almost there but not quite.

Common error

Avoid using "verging on" when the subject has already fully reached the state you are describing; instead, use direct language to accurately reflect the current condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verging on" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or adjective, indicating that something is approaching a particular state or quality. Ludwig examples show this phrase qualifying states like "impatient", "criminal act", or "impossible".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "verging on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is approaching a specific state or condition, without fully reaching it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically sound and widely used. It's commonly found in News & Media, and its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to general conversation. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of nearing a particular state or quality, and be mindful not to overstate the condition. Alternatives such as "bordering on" or "approaching" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bordering on

Implies a close proximity to a boundary, often used interchangeably, but can suggest a clearer defined limit.

on the verge of

Similar to "on the brink of", suggesting imminence.

on the brink of

Implies being very close to a significant event or state, often negative.

approaching

Suggests a movement towards a condition, but might not be as close as "verging on".

nearing

Similar to approaching, indicating closeness in time or degree.

close to

A more general term for proximity, lacking the intensity of "verging on".

almost

A simple adverb indicating nearness, but lacking the nuance of a gradual process.

tantamount to

Indicates equivalence, not just approaching a state.

akin to

Suggests similarity or resemblance, but not necessarily approaching a limit.

threatening to

Implies an impending negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "verging on" in a sentence?

Use "verging on" to describe something that is approaching a particular state or condition. For example, "His behavior was "bordering on" obsessive" or "The project was "nearing" completion".

What's a good alternative to "verging on"?

Alternatives include "bordering on", "approaching", "on the brink of", or "close to", depending on the context.

Is "verging on" formal or informal?

"Verging on" is suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts, making it a versatile phrase. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the piece.

When is it appropriate to use "verging on" versus "almost"?

"Verging on" suggests a process of approaching a state, while "almost" simply indicates nearness. Use "verging on" when you want to emphasize the progression, for example: "Her excitement was "close to" hysteria".