cause a collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action or event leads to a failure or breakdown of a system, structure, or situation. Example: "The heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems can cause a collapse of the road infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Based on recent financial reports, the eventual cost could cause a collapse, like a castle of desert sand.

The New York Times - Sports

A subtle whisper could indicate a crack that could cause a collapse like the one in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Staffing pressures, too, sometimes cause a collapse in the quality of case management that parents and children deserve.

The Guardian

"What happened is being portrayed as something that can cause a collapse, and that simply is not the case".

The New York Times

The extraction of pressurized water or oil from deep beneath the surface will cause a collapse of the pore spaces and consolidation of rock material.

Britannica

The I-35W bridge was of a type called "fracture critical," meaning that the failure of any major member would cause a collapse, because it had no redundancy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Several of these drugs cause a collapsing type of FSGS characterized by podocyte proliferation and implosion of the capillary tuft [ 59].

BMC Nephrology

In 1628 the vellón coins were withdrawn, causing a collapse of prices and a recession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Treatment of cells with brefeldin A (BFA) blocks secretory vesicle transport and causes a collapse of the Golgi apparatus.

Stanford University

The catastrophic war in Syria has caused a "collapse in childhood", Save the Children warned on Wednesday.

The Guardian

Tons of soil had to be hoisted up by pulley, and eventually caused a collapse into the rooms below.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause a collapse", ensure the context clearly indicates what is collapsing, whether it's a physical structure, an economy, or a system. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cause a collapse" in overly casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "break" or "fall apart" may be more appropriate for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a collapse" functions as a causal connector, indicating that something is directly responsible for a breakdown or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause a collapse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the reason behind a failure or breakdown. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and applicable across various domains, although more prevalent in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While simpler alternatives exist for casual use, "cause a collapse" is effective for analytical and explanatory writing. Remember to be specific about what is collapsing to maintain clarity. Using this precise phrase can often add weight to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead to a breakdown

Emphasizes the process leading to failure, similar to "cause a collapse" but focusing on the sequential aspect.

result in a failure

Highlights the outcome of an action, synonymous to "cause a collapse" with a focus on the end result.

trigger a disintegration

Suggests a more rapid and forceful breakdown than "cause a collapse".

precipitate a downfall

Implies a sudden and significant failure, more dramatic than "cause a collapse".

bring about a failure

Focuses on the act of causing something to fail, similar to "cause a collapse" in its active sense.

contribute to a downfall

Indicates a partial cause, where multiple factors might lead to failure, unlike "cause a collapse" which can imply a primary cause.

generate a breakdown

Emphasizes the creation or production of a failure, similar to "cause a collapse" but focusing on the generative aspect.

spark a disintegration

Suggests a sudden initiation of breakdown, similar to "cause a collapse" but with a focus on initiation.

initiate a failure

Focuses on the starting point of a failure process, similar to "cause a collapse" but concentrating on the beginning.

foster a disintegration

Suggests a nurturing or gradual encouragement of disintegration, less direct than "cause a collapse".

FAQs

How can I use "cause a collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "cause a collapse" to describe how an action or event leads to a breakdown or failure. For example, "The lack of investment can cause a collapse of the infrastructure."

What are some alternatives to "cause a collapse"?

Alternatives include "lead to a breakdown", "result in a failure", or "trigger a disintegration" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cause a collapse" or "lead to a collapse"?

Both "cause a collapse" and "lead to a collapse" are grammatically correct. "Cause a collapse" implies a more direct action, while "lead to a collapse" suggests a more indirect or sequential effect.

What kind of things can "cause a collapse"?

Many things can "cause a collapse", including economic policies, natural disasters, structural weaknesses, or mismanagement. The phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe a failure or breakdown.