Phrasal Verbs

verge on

This page is about the phrasal verb verge on

Meaning

to be close to reaching a certain state or condition

Synonym

border on

For example

  • verge on sth The senior students' hazing rituals for new college students were so cruel that they were verging on torture.

  • verge on sth Even as a child, Glenn Gould had a talent for playing the piano that verged on genius.

Note:
"verge upon" is a more formal variant with the same meaning

Quick Quiz

Charlie says the president's actions in the Middle East were verging on criminal. He thinks they were

a. against criminals

b. the opposite of criminal

c. almost criminal
a) against criminals b) the opposite of criminal c) almost criminal

Boost your English with
1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context ebook!

1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey