collapse dramatically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapse dramatically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and significant failure or decline in a situation, structure, or system. Example: "The company's stock prices began to collapse dramatically after the scandal was revealed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Thankfully for novelists (and maybe regretfully for the world) communes usually collapse dramatically.

The Guardian - Books

There are few signs of thatFor the economy to fall back into recession, consumption would have to collapse dramatically.

The Economist

And according to one dealer survey, they are running 7% higher in the first two weeks of May than in the same period last year.For the economy to fall back into recession, consumption would have to collapse dramatically.

The Economist

In academic philosophy, Hegelian idealism had seemed to collapse dramatically after 1848 and the failure of the revolutionary movements of that year, but underwent a revival in both Great Britain and the United States in the last decades of the nineteenth century.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But for the last two seasons, the Mets have collapsed dramatically late in the season.

The New York Times

With the score at 1-1, Henry collapsed dramatically under a challenge from Carles Puyol.

The Guardian - Sport

Three hours' drive away in Chicago a society that has been sustaining too few for too long was collapsing dramatically.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We should make a movie and call it 'Snow Bored,' " she said, and collapsed dramatically onto her back.

The New York Times - Sports

High living, including a depend­ence on painkillers like morphine, helped bring her a bleeding ulcer and liver damage; more than once she collapsed dramatically onstage.

The New York Times - Books

Retailers argue that rents have collapsed dramatically since 2008 and in some cases they are now paying more in rates than they are in rent.

The Guardian - Business

When Sissoko's long legs took him into the penalty area he collapsed dramatically after Eriksen's perceived interception and Wijnaldum sent Lloris the wrong way from the spot.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapse dramatically" to describe situations where there is a sudden, significant, and often unexpected failure or decline. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize the speed and extent of the downfall.

Common error

While "collapse dramatically" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or theatrical in casual conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "failed quickly" or "dropped sharply" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapse dramatically" functions as a verb phrase that typically describes a subject undergoing a sudden and severe decline or failure. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is often used to describe events that are unexpected and impactful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collapse dramatically" is a grammatically correct and effective way to describe a sudden and significant decline or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while it's more common in news and media contexts, it can be used in various situations to emphasize the speed and extent of a downfall. When writing, consider the tone and register, opting for simpler language in informal settings. Alternatives like "fall precipitously" or "decline sharply" can also be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall precipitously

This alternative highlights a steep and rapid decline, focusing on the speed of the fall.

decline sharply

This phrase emphasizes a significant downturn, indicating a notable decrease or reduction.

plummet suddenly

This alternative emphasizes a sudden and rapid drop, suggesting a quick and forceful descent.

deteriorate rapidly

This phrase focuses on a quick decline in quality or condition, indicating a fast degradation.

fail catastrophically

This alternative highlights a disastrous and complete failure, focusing on the severity of the outcome.

implode spectacularly

This phrase suggests a sudden and dramatic inward collapse, emphasizing the visual impact of the failure.

crumble swiftly

This alternative emphasizes the speed and completeness of the breakdown, suggesting a quick disintegration.

nosedive steeply

This phrase is often used in economic or aviation contexts to describe a rapid and uncontrolled descent.

tank abruptly

This alternative indicates a sudden and severe drop in performance or value, often used in business or sports contexts.

succumb decisively

This phrase highlights a clear and irreversible failure, emphasizing the finality of the defeat.

FAQs

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

You can use "collapse dramatically" to describe a sudden and significant failure or decline. For example, "The company's stock prices began to collapse dramatically after the scandal was revealed."

What can I say instead of "collapse dramatically"?

You can use alternatives like "fall precipitously", "decline sharply", or "plummet suddenly" depending on the context.

Is "collapse dramatically" formal or informal?

"Collapse dramatically" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "failed quickly" or "dropped sharply" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something is said to "collapse dramatically"?

It means that something has failed or declined suddenly, significantly, and often unexpectedly. The phrase emphasizes the speed and extent of the downfall.