What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
verge
Example
The car swerved off the verge and into the ditch. [verge: noun]
Example
I am on the verge of making a big decision. [verge: preposition]
margin
Example
Please write your name in the margin of the paper. [margin: noun]
Example
The company operates on a very narrow profit margin. [margin: noun]
Example
We have a margin of two hours before the deadline. [margin: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Margin is more commonly used than verge in everyday language. Margin is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while verge is less common and has more specific uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between verge and margin?
Both verge and margin can be used in formal and informal contexts, but margin is more commonly used in business and financial contexts, which tend to be more formal.