was on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

"was on edge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be nervous, anxious, or tense. It can be used in a variety of situations and contexts, such as describing someone's emotional state or reaction to a stressful event. Example: After receiving the news of her mother's illness, Lara was on edge for days, unable to concentrate or sleep well.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That, he added, has risks for content creators, which might be one reason the traditional publishing industry was on edge during the standoff with Hachette.

The New York Times - Tech

She was on edge.

The New York Times - Sports

I was on edge.

The Guardian - Film

"Everyone was on edge".

The New York Times

Everybody was on edge.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Lira was on edge.

The New York Times

Mario E. Patrón was on edge.

The New York Times

James could see that Melinda was on edge.

The New Yorker

He'd changed: he was on edge and emotionally needy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everyone was on edge about it, he said.

The Washington Post

Mr. Smith sensed that Mr. Andra, an unflappable scientist, was on edge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was on edge" to describe a temporary state of heightened anxiety or tension, often in response to a specific event or situation. Avoid overusing it to describe a chronic personality trait.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what is causing the person or situation to be "on edge". Vague descriptions can leave the reader confused about the source of the tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was on edge" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of heightened anxiety, tension, or nervousness. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing individuals, groups, and even entire cities in moments of unease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was on edge" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of nervousness, anxiety, or tension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use, primarily within news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys that a person, group, or even a place is experiencing heightened unease, often due to specific circumstances. While many alternatives exist, such as "felt anxious" or "was nervous", "was on edge" provides a nuanced way to express a reactive and immediate state of tension. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the source of the edginess to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was nervous

This option is a straightforward synonym, simply stating the person's state of nervousness.

was worried

This option indicates a state of concern or anxiety about a potential problem or situation.

felt anxious

This alternative directly describes the feeling of anxiety, emphasizing the emotional state.

was tense

This alternative focuses on the physical manifestation of anxiety, describing a state of muscular tightness or stiffness.

felt stressed

This alternative highlights the feeling of being under pressure or strain.

was uneasy

This option conveys a sense of discomfort or anxiety, often without a specific cause.

was apprehensive

This alternative suggests a feeling of unease about something that might happen in the future.

was in a state of agitation

This alternative emphasizes the heightened state of emotional arousal and restlessness.

felt on tenterhooks

This idiom suggests being in a state of suspense or agitation, waiting for something to happen.

was on pins and needles

This idiom conveys a feeling of nervous anticipation or anxiety, often accompanied by restlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "was on edge" in a sentence?

You can use "was on edge" to describe someone's emotional state, for example: "After the argument, she "was on edge" for the rest of the day."

What's a good alternative to "was on edge"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "felt anxious", "was nervous", or "was tense".

Is it correct to say "being on edge"?

Yes, "being on edge" is grammatically correct. It describes a state of nervousness or anxiety. For example: "The constant pressure of deadlines resulted in him "being on edge" all the time."

What's the difference between "was on edge" and "felt stressed"?

While both indicate negative emotional states, ""was on edge"" often implies a more immediate and reactive tension, while "felt stressed" suggests a more prolonged and general feeling of being overwhelmed.