On the verge of and to be about to

[majidkh]

Hello
would you please tell me what's the difference between "on the verge of and to be about to"? Can they be interchangeably used in all contexts?

Thanks a lot

[chileno]

Originally Posted by majidkh

Hello
would you please tell me what's the difference between "on the verge of and to be about to"? Can they be interchangeably used in all contexts?

Thanks a lot

I am pretty sure you can use either.

[poli]

I agree with Hernan, but "I was about to" is more versitile.
Here are examples: I was about to have lunch when the phone rang
You wouldn't say "I way on the verge of eating lunch when the phone rang
You could say"I was about to declare bankruptcy when I hit lotto.
or "I was on the verge of bankruptcy when I hit lotto.

The word verge accompanies momentous things, looks ridiculous when used with ordinary events.

When in doubt use "about to"

[Tomisimo]

I agree with Poli and Chileno. The two phrases are equal in meaning, but "on the verge of" is only used when you are about to do something big or important.

1. Going to the store is something trivial:
I'm about to go to the store.
I'm on the verge of going to the store.

2. Quitting your job is something more important
I'm about to quit my job.
I'm on the verge of quitting my job.

[majidkh]

Thank you everybody for your very useful answers.

[thesimonway]

Also, you can often beef up a story to a tough crowd with use of this word, it'll liven their spirits and improve the overall morale.

Ejemplo #1- "... so what's more, the guy just trapses on through the caution tape like it holds no merit! Seriously, I was on the verge of a microwaved lean pocket and tang before he'd shown up. What's done is done i 'spose.

If you'd said the same thing without "verge" and instead chose the easy way out with the "about to" you'd be hearin' crickets.

[Fazor]

I'd add to Tomisimo's answer, in that "verge" can also be used when something exciting is about to happen, or if the fruits of a long labor have almost paid off. If I had to put a rule to it on the spot, I'd probably say "Verge" requires something that would be considered a "breakthrough" or achievement, rather than an ordinary activity.

The examples everyone gave are perfect, at least I think they are.