are collapsing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are collapsing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is in the process of falling down or failing, often used in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The old bridge is showing signs of wear and tear, and experts warn that it are collapsing under the weight of heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Margins are collapsing.

The Economist

The high streets are collapsing.

Independent

State budgets are collapsing.

The New York Times

Outsourcing companies are collapsing.

The Guardian

India are collapsing!

The Times

Their ranges are collapsing.

The Guardian

House prices are collapsing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Prices, however, are collapsing.

The New York Times - Tech

Deals are collapsing.

The New York Times

The old models are collapsing.

The Guardian

Moral values are collapsing, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are collapsing", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is declining or failing. For instance, specify if you're referring to "market shares", "infrastructure", or "social structures".

Common error

Avoid using "are collapsing" with a singular subject. Instead, use "is collapsing" to maintain grammatical accuracy. For example, it is correct to say "The bridge is collapsing", and incorrect to say "The bridge are collapsing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are collapsing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present progressive form, indicating an ongoing process of decline or failure. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it describes systems, structures, or abstract concepts undergoing a breakdown.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are collapsing" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the ongoing process of decline or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. Its communicative purpose is to highlight a current state of deterioration, often conveying a sense of urgency. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotation depends on the context, and users should ensure subject-verb agreement for grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives such as "are falling apart" or "are failing" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are falling apart

This alternative suggests a gradual disintegration, emphasizing the breaking down of something into pieces.

are crumbling

This phrase indicates a slow decay or disintegration, often used for structures or systems.

are failing

This option directly states a lack of success or a breakdown in functionality.

are deteriorating

This suggests a gradual decline in quality or condition.

are declining

This term indicates a decrease in quantity, quality, or importance.

are disintegrating

This implies a complete breakdown or dissolution into fragments.

are decaying

This alternative focuses on the natural process of rotting or decomposition.

are imploding

This suggests a sudden and violent inward collapse.

are vanishing

This implies disappearing entirely or ceasing to exist.

are plummeting

This term indicates a rapid and significant drop or decline.

FAQs

How can I use "are collapsing" in a sentence?

The phrase "are collapsing" describes something that is failing or falling apart. For example, "The old buildings are collapsing" or "The company's profits are collapsing".

What can I say instead of "are collapsing"?

You can use alternatives like "are falling apart", "are failing", or "are deteriorating" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are collapsing"?

It's appropriate when describing a state of decline or failure affecting multiple entities or a plural subject. For instance, you might say, "Negotiations are collapsing" if talks are failing.

Which is correct, "is collapsing" or "are collapsing"?

"Is collapsing" is used for singular subjects, while "are collapsing" is for plural subjects. For instance, "The building is collapsing" vs. "The buildings are collapsing".