close to collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

'close to collapse' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or event that is close to failing or becoming unstable. Example Sentence: The company is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy and is close to collapse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's close to collapse.

The Guardian - Business

Meanwhile, the economy came close to collapse.

The New Yorker

"The house is now close to collapse.

The New York Times

"I was close to collapse.

The New Yorker

He was close to collapse.

The Guardian - Sport

The infrastructure was close to collapse.

The Guardian

The lines were close to collapse.

The Guardian

I had never before felt so close to collapse.

The New York Times - Books

It had come close to collapse on several occasions.

The New York Times

IN RECENT months, Ecuador has seemed close to collapse.

The Economist

The euro zone is dangerously close to collapse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close to collapse" when you want to emphasize that something is at a critical point and is likely to fail or break down completely if conditions do not improve. For example, "The healthcare system is close to collapse due to underfunding."

Common error

Avoid using "close to collapse" to describe situations that are merely difficult or inconvenient. This phrase implies a severe state of potential ruin, and using it lightly can diminish the impact of the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to collapse" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is nearing a state of failure or disintegration. Ludwig AI indicates it's a usable phrase. As seen in the examples, it often describes economies, structures, or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to collapse" is a powerful and widely used expression that indicates something is nearing a state of failure or ruin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and readily understood. Its usage spans various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media, business, and formal settings, underlining its relevance in describing critical situations. To ensure effective communication, remember to reserve it for scenarios where there's a genuine risk of breakdown, avoiding overuse in less severe circumstances. Exploring synonyms like ""on the verge of collapse"" or "nearing collapse" can add nuance to your writing, while heeding the advice against exaggeration will maintain the phrase's intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of the collapse, highlighting that it is about to happen.

facing imminent collapse

Highlights the impending nature and seriousness of the collapse.

nearing collapse

Focuses on the process of approaching a state of collapse, suggesting a gradual decline.

on the brink of failure

Highlights the precariousness of the situation, emphasizing the nearness to failure.

about to fail

A more general term indicating impending failure, not necessarily structural or systemic.

at risk of collapse

Similar to "in danger of failing", specifies that the risk involves a collapse.

approaching failure

Similar to "nearing collapse", but applicable to a wider range of situations beyond physical structures.

in danger of failing

Indicates a risk of failure, suggesting that failure is a possible outcome.

crumbling

Implies a gradual and progressive decline, leading to eventual collapse.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression suggesting something is worn out and about to give way.

FAQs

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

You can use "close to collapse" to describe systems, organizations, or structures that are nearing failure. For example, "The negotiations were "on the verge of collapse" after days of deadlock."

What are some alternatives to "close to collapse"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "on the brink of failure", "nearing collapse", or "about to fail". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "close to collapse" in formal writing?

Yes, "close to collapse" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious situations in business, politics, or economics. Just ensure that its usage is justified and not an overstatement of the actual circumstances.

What is the difference between "close to collapse" and "collapsed"?

"Close to collapse" indicates that something is in imminent danger of failing, whereas "collapsed" means that it has already failed or broken down. The former describes a precarious situation, while the latter describes a completed event.