collapse suddenly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapse suddenly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt failure or breakdown of something, whether it's a physical structure, a system, or an emotional state. Example: "The old bridge began to collapse suddenly, leaving drivers in shock and panic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Various contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Democracies sometimes collapse suddenly.

The Washington Post

Rhubarb has a tendency to collapse suddenly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A violent, screaming prisoner can collapse suddenly into unconsciousness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Argentine-ant colonies sometimes collapse suddenly, and with no obvious explanation.

The Economist

For instance, churning water can undermine driven pilings, causing the whole bridge to collapse suddenly.

The New York Times

We cannot afford to have our diplomatic efforts collapse suddenly and, as in Syria, be forced to lunge forward unprepared.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Huffington's passion for all-things sleep started when she collapsed, suddenly, due to sheer exhaustion.

Stanford University

Mergers happen in waves, so the number of firms collapses suddenly rather than dwindling over time.

The Economist

If it collapses suddenly, a torrent of water would rush down the Cetina River valley, affecting 50,000 people.

The New York Times

Some of the continent's oldest and biggest specimens collapsed suddenly during a study.

Nature

Unlike PP-band, FRP retrofitted houses were collapsed suddenly without giving any warning with respect to ductility and energy dissipation.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or processes, use "collapse suddenly" to add emphasis to the unexpected and immediate nature of a breakdown. This can be especially effective in narrative or descriptive writing to create a sense of urgency or shock.

Common error

Avoid using "collapse suddenly" excessively in highly formal or technical writing, where more precise terms like "structural failure" or "system malfunction" might be more appropriate. Choose language that aligns with the tone and expectations of your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapse suddenly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "collapse" is the main verb and "suddenly" is an adverb modifying it. Ludwig confirms this usage, which is observed in various example sentences describing abrupt failures or breakdowns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collapse suddenly" describes an abrupt failure or breakdown, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions grammatically as a verb phrase, emphasizing the unexpected and immediate nature of the collapse. While generally neutral in register, its usage is most frequent in news and media, and science contexts. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, making it a versatile choice for describing sudden failures across various domains. Consider alternatives like "fall apart unexpectedly" or "break down abruptly" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall apart unexpectedly

This alternative replaces "collapse" with "fall apart" and "suddenly" with "unexpectedly", focusing on the unforeseen nature of the breakdown.

break down abruptly

This alternative uses "break down" in place of "collapse" and "abruptly" instead of "suddenly", highlighting the sudden cessation of function.

give way instantly

This phrase describes a sudden yielding or breaking, using stronger imagery than "collapse".

fail without warning

This alternative emphasizes the lack of prior indication of the failure.

crumble immediately

Replaces "collapse" with "crumble" to suggest disintegration, and "suddenly" with "immediately" for emphasis on timing.

implode instantaneously

Uses "implode" to suggest a collapse inward, and "instantaneously" to highlight the rapid nature.

succumb rapidly

Suggests a quick yielding to pressure or force, differing slightly from a structural collapse.

go down in an instant

This is a more informal way of saying something collapsed quickly.

capsize all of a sudden

Emphasizes overturning and unexpectedness.

crash out of the blue

Uses a more figurative and dramatic tone, suggesting a sudden and unexpected crash or failure.

FAQs

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

When something is said to "collapse suddenly", it means it has failed or broken down unexpectedly and rapidly. This can apply to physical structures, systems, or even abstract concepts.

What can I say instead of "collapse suddenly"?

You can use alternatives like "fall apart unexpectedly", "break down abruptly", or "fail without warning" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "collapse suddenly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Collapse" is a verb, and "suddenly" is an adverb modifying the verb, indicating how the action occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Which is more appropriate, "collapse suddenly" or "sudden collapse"?

Both are valid, but they have slightly different uses. "Collapse suddenly" emphasizes the action, while "sudden collapse" ("sudden collapse") emphasizes the state or event. The better choice depends on the focus of your sentence.