collapses on itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapses on itself" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something breaks down or becomes unsustainable due to internal causes. For example, "The government's plan for economic reform collapsed on itself when it became apparent that the policies would not be effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When the gene mutates, however, the resulting protein collapses on itself and can clog the blood vessels.

The New Yorker

(Think "Metropolis," "The Fifth Element" and last year's "Cloverfield," in which the Time Warner Center collapses on itself).

The New York Times

TOKYO — There are many ways to demolish a building, and some of them are spectacular: blowing it up from the inside so it collapses on itself, or smashing it to bits with a two-ton wrecking ball.

The New York Times - Science

Each complete rotation leads to the introduction of one supercoiled turn in the DNA, a process that can continue until the DNA is fully wound and collapses on itself in a tight ball.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A supernova is a bright star in the universe that collapses on itself but gives rise to new stars.

TechCrunch

Homer, declaring this to be a "piece of cake", leaps and falls into the hole as the universe collapses on itself.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There was panic, and the crowd began collapsing on itself.

The New York Times

If you create enough chaotic situations, a piece of dance-theater will collapse on itself.

The New York Times - Arts

An ominous crack sounded and the structure instantly collapsed on itself".

The New York Times

But each one astonishingly different; sometimes the church looks brooding, ancient, gray-brown, cavernous, almost collapsing on itself.

The New Yorker

Each time, the spent volcano collapsed on itself, finally leaving a near-perfect ring almost 15 miles in diameter.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapses on itself" to vividly describe situations where internal flaws or pressures cause something to fail dramatically, such as a poorly designed building or a flawed business plan.

Common error

While descriptive, "collapses on itself" can sound informal in some academic or business contexts. Opt for more precise terms like "fails", "implodes", or "disintegrates" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapses on itself" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of something failing or imploding due to internal forces or structural weaknesses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing physical structures and even abstract concepts like a song or the universe.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "collapses on itself" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a sudden and often dramatic failure resulting from internal pressures or weaknesses. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Examples illustrate its application across diverse contexts, from the physical world (buildings, stars) to more abstract realms (arguments, economic models). While suitable for general use, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "implodes" or "disintegrates" in academic or professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news media, highlighting its descriptive power in conveying impactful events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implodes

Focuses on inward collapse rather than general structural failure.

falls apart

Emphasizes disintegration and loss of cohesion.

crumbles

Suggests gradual disintegration and decay.

self-destructs

Implies an intentional or inherent mechanism leading to collapse.

disintegrates

Highlights the breaking apart into smaller components.

breaks down

Focuses on the functional failure and cessation of operation.

gives way

Suggests a yielding under pressure or strain.

caves in

Emphasizes a downward collapse, often from external pressure.

succumbs

Implies yielding to an internal weakness or external force.

deteriorates

Highlights a gradual decline in quality or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "collapses on itself" in a sentence?

You can use "collapses on itself" to describe something failing dramatically due to internal problems. For example, "The poorly constructed building "collapsed on itself" during the earthquake."

What's a more formal alternative to "collapses on itself"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "implodes", "disintegrates", or "deteriorates" for a more professional tone.

Is it ever correct to say "collapse in on itself" instead of "collapses on itself"?

Yes, "collapse in on itself" is also a valid phrase. Both phrases carry similar meanings, but "collapses on itself" is more concise. For instance, the star "collapses in on itself" at the end of its life.

What does it mean when someone says an argument "collapses on itself"?

Figuratively, if an argument "collapses on itself", it means the argument fails due to its own internal inconsistencies or flaws, becoming invalid. You might say, "His theory "collapsed on itself" when the evidence contradicted his claims."