collapsed on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapsed on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which a person or object has fallen to the ground due to some type of force. For example, "After running for five miles, Kathy collapsed on the ground, exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Inspectors found one horse collapsed on the ground tangled in a rug and a pregnant mare lying dead nearby under some covers.

BBC

In the yard of the city morgue itself, one old man sat collapsed on the ground, his clothes muddied, and mourned the son-in-law whose body lay inside.

The New York Times

I collapsed on the ground, tears streaming down my face.

Independent

One man collapsed on the ground, screaming to God, "You are the avenger, You are the almighty".

Independent

The work stops when all three performers have literally collapsed on the ground, making terrifying gagging sounds.

The Guardian

After she collapsed on the ground, the man pushed the buggy, with Joseph in it, on top of her.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

A combination of CCTV and helicopter footage then shows Tomlinson walking unsteadily before he collapses on the ground.

The Guardian

He turned around and moved briefly back in the direction of the officer who shot him, before collapsing on the ground and being restrained.

The Guardian

Whoever fired at her hadn't been able to track her down with dogs and dispose of the tag because the shot had not immediately been fatal: Betty had flapped on for several miles before collapsing on the ground.

The Guardian

"Who shot my brother?" Neighbors said they saw a man run out of the two-story building about 3 p.m., frantically asking for help before momentarily collapsing on the ground.

The New York Times

According to Tsering, bystanders saw him collapse on the ground after they heard three gunshots.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "collapsed on the ground", ensure the context clearly indicates why the subject collapsed. Providing additional details, such as exhaustion, injury, or emotional distress, enhances the sentence's impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "collapsed on the ground" metaphorically when describing abstract concepts or systems. 'Collapse' implies a physical falling, so stick to phrases like 'failed' or 'broke down' for non-physical subjects. For example instead of saying "The plan collapsed on the ground" consider using "The plan failed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapsed on the ground" primarily functions as a verbal phrase acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of someone or something falling to the ground, often implying a loss of strength or control. Ludwig examples showcase various subjects "collapsing on the ground" in different scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collapsed on the ground" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a sudden fall, often implying a loss of control or strength. Ludwig examples confirm its presence in diverse contexts, from news reports to descriptive narratives. While versatile, it's best to avoid metaphorical misuse and ensure the context clearly supports a physical falling action. Several alternatives exist, such as "fell to the ground" or "dropped to the ground", but the best choice will ultimately depend on the specific nuance you're aiming to convey. The phrase is marked as correct by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell to the ground

Direct synonym, focusing on the action of falling.

dropped to the ground

Implies a sudden or abrupt descent.

lay prostrate on the ground

More formal, emphasizing a prone position.

was lying on the ground

Describes the state of being on the ground.

hit the ground

Focuses on the impact of the fall.

ended up on the ground

Emphasizes the final position after a movement.

succumbed to the ground

Suggests weakness or defeat leading to the fall.

was found on the ground

Highlights the act of discovery.

stumbled and fell

Focuses on the act of losing balance before falling.

crashed to the earth

More dramatic, emphasizing the force and impact.

FAQs

How can I use "collapsed on the ground" in a sentence?

Use "collapsed on the ground" to describe someone or something falling to the ground, usually due to exhaustion, injury, or some other form of distress. For example: "After running the marathon, he "collapsed on the ground" from exhaustion."

What are some alternatives to "collapsed on the ground"?

Alternatives include "fell to the ground", "dropped to the ground", or "lay prostrate on the ground", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "collapsed on the ground" and "fell on the ground"?

"Collapsed on the ground" implies a sudden loss of strength or control, whereas "fell on the ground" is a more general term for losing one's balance. "Collapsed on the ground" often suggests a deeper reason for the fall.

Is it appropriate to use "collapsed on the ground" in formal writing?

While "collapsed on the ground" is grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for descriptive or narrative contexts. In formal or scientific writing, consider more precise language depending on the situation being described. The level of formality depends on the specific writing task.