At the point of..... something or On the point of.....

Question

Is it "at the point of doing something" or "on the point of doing something"?If both are possible, do they mean the same thing?If not, when should I use each of them?Would you please give me a few examples?Thank you.

Mgdoyle · Accepted Answer

Both are possible, and have slightly different meanings (at least in American English).

at the point of has the meanings "about to", "intending", "willing to". Some examples:

I have gotten so bored with this, I'm at the point of giving up entirely.
I'm at the point of understanding this problem, give me one more minute.

on the point of has two meanings, the more common being "almost", "practically". Some examples:

This book is so terrible, it's on the point of being a complete joke.
The automobile was in such terrible condition is was on the point of being a pile of scrap metal.

The other meaning is "as", "at the time that". Example:

On the point of dying, he finally understood what a gift life is.

I might be wrong but I believe they may be synonymous in British English, both having the meaning "the moment before an action is expected to occur". You should have speaker of British English verify that.

At the point of..... something or On the point of.....

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