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about to vs on the verge of

Posted by micaelo · January 16, 2008 · 2 replies

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

2 Replies

'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.

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!