eslHQ - about to vs on the verge of

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micaelo

Jan 16th, 2008 05:52 am

about to vs on the verge of

Is there a difference in meaning between these two words? Thank you

mesmark

Jan 16th, 2008 09:52 pm

Re: about to vs on the verge of

'on the verge of' sounds a bit grander or more ominous

Also 'about to' is followed by a verb, whereas 'on the verge of' is followed by a noun.

clivehawkins

Jan 17th, 2008 02:17 am

Re: about to vs on the verge of

Yep, I'd go along with that.
But 'on the verge of' can be followed by a verb in the 'ing' form eg
Keegan is on the verge of becoming the Newcastle manager.
I was on the verge of getting married when I finally saw sense!

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