verging on overload

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "verging on overload" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is approaching a state of being overwhelmed or excessively full. Example: "The system is verging on overload due to the high volume of data being processed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At times, his intensity verges on overload, as does the dialogue ("This is like my son's heart," Hans says, producing Frantz's violin), and it is Beer's more phlegmatic presence that slowly assumes command.

The New Yorker

Maybe not; he was verging on a Churchill overload as it was.

The New Yorker

All under one roof, is verging on the fabled.

III-Vs Review

It was verging on rare.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

Or was it verging on harassment?

Independent

Yet these declines are verging on microscopic.

The New York Times

ATMOSPHERE -- Verging on futuristic.

The New York Times

Verging on being OK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Verging on inedible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was verging on pathological.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "verging on overload" when you want to express that something is very close to reaching its limit or capacity, but hasn't quite reached it yet. It implies a sense of impending excess or being overwhelmed.

Common error

Avoid using "verging on overload" when the situation has already surpassed the limit; instead, use phrases like "at maximum capacity" or "completely overloaded". The key is to ensure that what you're describing is still approaching the limit, not already exceeding it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "verging on overload" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or situation to indicate that it is nearing a state of being overwhelmed or excessively full. It adds a sense of impending excess or maximum capacity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "verging on overload" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of approaching maximum capacity or being overwhelmed. Ludwig AI indicates it's acceptable for written English. While relatively uncommon, it finds use in news, general writing, and even academic discourse. Related phrases include "approaching capacity" and "nearing saturation". When using the phrase, ensure the described situation is indeed approaching a limit, and not exceeding it. While generally neutral, contexts with specific professional terminology should rely on alternate descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verging on being excessive

Is quite similar, however, more explicit with "being excessive".

approaching capacity

Focuses on the limit of resources or space being reached.

nearing saturation

Implies a state of being almost completely filled or absorbed.

bordering on excessive

Highlights that something is nearing an unacceptable level.

close to the limit

Highlights proximity to a maximum allowable extent.

almost overwhelmed

Directly conveys the feeling of being nearly overcome.

on the brink of collapse

Suggests a state of instability and impending failure.

at the breaking point

Emphasizes the stress and potential for failure.

about to max out

Indicates that a resource is nearly fully utilized.

approaching critical mass

Indicates that something is about to reach a critical point of change.

FAQs

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

You can use "verging on overload" to describe a system, situation, or even a feeling that's approaching its limit. For example, "The hospital's emergency room was "verging on overload" due to the sudden influx of patients".

What's a more formal way to say "verging on overload"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "approaching saturation" or "nearing capacity". These alternatives convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

What's the difference between "verging on overload" and "completely overloaded"?

"Verging on overload" implies that a system or situation is almost at its limit but not quite there yet. "Completely overloaded", on the other hand, indicates that the limit has been reached and potentially exceeded.

Are there specific contexts where I should avoid using "verging on overload"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "verging on overload" in highly technical or scientific contexts where more precise terminology might be preferred. For example, in engineering, terms like "nearing maximum load" could be more appropriate.