collapse of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapse of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the failure or breakdown of something previously mentioned, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The structure was deemed unsafe due to the collapse of which the engineers had warned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

After a tragic banquet-hall collapse, of which he was the sole survivor, Simonides was asked to give an account of who was buried in the debris.

The New York Times - Magazine

During the Weimar period, Junkers were continuously hostile to the republic, the collapse of which contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The money was paid by an entity linked to ISMM, the collapse of which in 2001 left a major hole in Fifa's finances.

The Guardian - Sport

This follows an aborted $680m deal late last year, the collapse of which was put down to heavy criticism from investors who felt the deal was too expensive.

The Guardian

Similarly, there was almost no reporting on the $8tn housing bubble, the collapse of which has given us the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UAW has agreed to substantial givebacks as part of the effort to save the auto industry, the total collapse of which would not have been helpful to the overall economy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Your team helped put a sleeper hold on the economy, the near-collapse of which then ravaged your portfolio.

The New York Times

Ultimately, this increasingly unstable structure can collapse, evidence of which is exposed in the geological record as sector collapse scars, amphitheatres, craters and calderas (e.g. Guest et al. 1984; Stoopes and Sheridan 1992; Hall et al. 1999; Tibaldi 2001).

Bulletin of Volcanology

Concern that two further dams may yet collapse – one of which ruptured during the accident – suggests the unfolding tragedy may yet worsen.

The Guardian

CNRL also has had to pay other contractors to tear down, then re-do the work which was stopped after two of the tank structures collapsed, one of which led to the fatalities.

Huffington Post

The Costa Rica meeting did not produce the collapse of negotiations which the Administration was seeking.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collapse of which", ensure the noun it refers to is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'The bridge design had a critical flaw, the "collapse of which" could have resulted in many deaths.'

Common error

Avoid using "collapse of which" when a simpler, more direct phrasing is clearer. For instance, instead of 'The company's financial model failed, the "collapse of which" led to bankruptcy', consider 'The company's financial model failed, leading to bankruptcy'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapse of which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a previously mentioned noun. It indicates that the collapse is a characteristic or consequence associated with that noun. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is typically used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collapse of which" is a grammatically correct and relatively formal way to refer back to a noun and emphasize the consequences of its failure. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most commonly used in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources. While correct, writers should be mindful of the clarity and conciseness of their writing and consider whether a more direct phrasing might be preferable. Alternatives like "failure of which" or "breakdown of which" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure of which

Replaces "collapse" with "failure", emphasizing a lack of success rather than a complete breakdown.

breakdown of which

Substitutes "collapse" with "breakdown", suggesting a more gradual or systemic failure.

downfall of which

Uses "downfall" instead of "collapse", implying a loss of status or power.

implosion of which

Replaces "collapse" with "implosion", suggesting an inward collapse.

ruin of which

Uses "ruin" instead of "collapse", implying destruction or devastation.

demise of which

Replaces "collapse" with "demise", often used for institutions or abstract concepts.

cessation of which

Substitutes "collapse" with "cessation", indicating a stopping or ending.

dissolution of which

Uses "dissolution" instead of "collapse", suggesting a breaking apart or disintegration.

deterioration of which

Replaces "collapse" with "deterioration", indicating a gradual decline.

rupture of which

Replaces "collapse" with "rupture", indicating a sudden breaking or bursting.

FAQs

How can I use "collapse of which" in a sentence?

Use "collapse of which" to refer back to a previously mentioned noun whose failure or breakdown has consequences. For example: "The building's structural integrity was compromised, the "collapse of which" would endanger many lives."

What are some alternatives to "collapse of which"?

You can use alternatives such as "failure of which", "breakdown of which", or "downfall of which" depending on the context.

Is "collapse of which" formal or informal?

"Collapse of which" tends to be more formal and is often found in academic, scientific, or news contexts. In more casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "collapse of which" and "collapse that"?

"Collapse of which" is used to add additional information and clarify a previous subject, while "collapse that" introduces a relative clause to identify a specific type of collapse. For instance, "the "collapse of the bridge", which was unexpected" vs. "the collapse that occurred last night".