about to collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that is on the verge of failing or falling apart. Example: "The old bridge is showing signs of wear and is about to collapse if not repaired soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You escaped from a collapsed empire to seek refuge in one about to collapse.

The Guardian - Books

The whole building is about to collapse".

The New York Times

"The country is really about to collapse".

The Economist

I am about to collapse.

The Guardian

And are Slough's services about to collapse?

The Guardian

"Greece is not about to collapse.

The Guardian - Business

We are all about to collapse.

The Guardian

"It's about to collapse under its own weight".

The New Yorker

The whole building is about to collapse anytime now.

Independent

The euro zone is not about to collapse.

The New York Times

Mr Ocalan's 14-month-old ceasefire seemed about to collapse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about to collapse", ensure the context clearly indicates what is collapsing, whether it's a physical structure, an organization, or an abstract concept. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "about to collapse" excessively in situations where a more nuanced description would be appropriate. Overuse can diminish the impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider alternatives like "deteriorating rapidly" or "facing significant challenges" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to collapse" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as part of a predicate to indicate that a noun is in a state of near failure. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about to collapse" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something on the verge of failure. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of impending breakdown, whether in physical structures, organizations, or abstract concepts. While versatile, it’s important to ensure the context clarifies what is collapsing and to avoid overuse for dramatic effect. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase suits neutral and informative writing styles. Consider alternatives like "on the verge of collapse" or "nearing collapse" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

This alternative suggests a state of being very close to collapsing, emphasizing the nearness of the event.

nearing collapse

This phrase focuses on the process of approaching a state of collapse, highlighting the progression towards failure.

on the brink of disintegration

This emphasizes the breaking apart aspect of collapse.

about to fall apart

This alternative highlights the breaking or crumbling aspect of collapse, often used for systems or relationships.

on its last legs

This idiom suggests that something is nearing its end due to age, wear, or damage.

on the point of failure

This emphasizes the potential for something to stop functioning correctly.

ready to give way

This suggests a yielding or succumbing to pressure, implying a structural or systemic weakness.

approaching breakdown

This alternative emphasizes the imminent ceasing of function.

on the verge of imploding

Imploding refers to collapsing inward, emphasizing the force and direction of the collapse.

on the precipice of ruin

This emphasizes the disastrous consequences of the imminent collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "about to collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "about to collapse" to describe physical structures (e.g., "The old building was about to collapse"), systems (e.g., "The healthcare system is about to collapse"), or abstract concepts (e.g., "Their relationship was about to collapse").

What can I say instead of "about to collapse"?

You can use alternatives like "on the verge of collapse", "nearing collapse", or "about to fall apart", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "about to collapse" or "collapsing"?

"About to collapse" implies an imminent event, while "collapsing" describes an event in progress. Use "about to collapse" when something is on the verge of failing and "collapsing" when it is actively failing.

What's the difference between "about to collapse" and "on the verge of collapse"?

The phrases "about to collapse" and "on the verge of collapse" are nearly synonymous. Both indicate that a collapse is imminent, but "on the verge of collapse" might suggest a slightly more prolonged period of instability before the actual collapse occurs.