[micaelo]

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

[mesmark]

'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.

[clivehawkins]

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!