building crumbling

USAGE SUMMARY

"building crumbling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a building that is in a state of decay or disrepair. An example is: "The old building crumbling under the weight of time was a haunting sight." Alternative expressions include "dilapidated building" and "decaying structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She then heard 'the roar of the whole building crumbling'.

The Guardian

I saw my tornado safe spot, though what I really saw superimposed onto reality was the carcass of a brick building crumbling like feta, which I'd walked by a couple years ago in Joplin.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dr. Sri had just seen the poorly constructed building crumble as the earth shuddered.

The New York Times

They joined a group of experts to investigate the wreckage for clues as to why the building crumbled.

The New York Times

The ramshackle building crumbled into a heap Monday evening just after 8 p.m., trapping an untold number of people beneath a jumble of stone and steel.

The New York Times

Barbara Rambo, a management consultant in San Francisco, had once worked in Tower Two and spent the early hours of her 49th birthday watching that building crumble.

The New York Times

As for the businesses crushed in the building crumble on Main Street, they are hoping for grants of $5,000 each from the town to help them relocate and rebuild.

The New York Times

Today, as Mr. Alvado stood on a railroad bridge and watched parts of the building crumble into rubble, he hugged an old friend who was once a foe.

The New York Times

But this is more a story about story-telling itself than about individuals, about the memories that remain when the building crumbles, and like M. Gustave, it is, though undeniably narcissistic, on the whole immensely charming.

Independent

Parts of the building crumbled during a four-day siege by suspected al-Shabab militants, which ended on Tuesday.

BBC

As I watched the building crumble, Hubby kept saying, "Omg.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "building crumbling" to vividly depict decay or destruction in descriptive writing. For example, "The old warehouse, with its roof caved in and walls peeling, was a picture of a building crumbling under years of neglect."

Common error

While "building crumbling" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or technical documents. Opt for more precise terms like "structural failure" or "material degradation" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building crumbling" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase. It often acts as a vivid depiction of decay or destruction. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe structures affected by earthquakes or general neglect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "building crumbling" is a descriptive verb phrase that vividly portrays structural decay or collapse. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and primarily found in News & Media contexts. While its usage is currently rare according to Ludwig's analysis, this phrase effectively evokes images of dilapidation and the impact of destructive forces. For more formal or technical writing, consider alternatives like "structural failure" or "material degradation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building collapsing

Focuses on the act of collapse and suggests a sudden event.

structure collapsing

Focuses on the action of collapse, implying a more immediate event.

building deteriorating

Emphasizes the gradual process of decay over time.

structure decaying

Similar to "deteriorating" but suggests a more organic process of breakdown.

edifice falling apart

Uses a more formal term ("edifice") and a more colloquial phrase ("falling apart") to describe disintegration.

building disintegrating

Suggests a complete breakdown into smaller parts.

structure breaking down

Implies a loss of structural integrity and functionality.

edifice crumbling to dust

More poetic and emphasizes the finality of the decay.

building in ruins

Focuses on the end result of the decay, the state of being ruined.

structure in disrepair

Highlights the state of neglect and lack of maintenance.

FAQs

How can I use "building crumbling" in a sentence?

You can use "building crumbling" to describe a structure that is decaying or collapsing, such as, "Witnessing the old "building crumbling" after the earthquake was a tragic sight."

What phrases are similar to "building crumbling"?

Similar phrases include "structure collapsing", "building deteriorating", and "edifice falling apart", each conveying a slightly different nuance of decay or destruction.

Is "building crumbling" formal or informal?

"Building crumbling" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both news reports and descriptive writing. However, more formal contexts might benefit from terms like "structural failure".

What causes a building to crumble?

A building can crumble due to various factors, including natural disasters, neglect, poor construction, or the effects of time and weathering. Each factor contributes to the structural degradation that leads to a "building crumbling".