collapsing inward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapsing inward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical process where something is folding or drawing closer to its center. Example: "The building's structure was compromised, causing the walls to start collapsing inward during the earthquake."

✓ Grammatically correct

General descriptions

Abstract concepts

Physical processes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He was perceived as a chaperone, tasked with preventing his band of talent from collapsing inward.

The Guardian - Sport

They implied volcanic eruptions, imploded paintings, simultaneously pushing forward and collapsing inward.

The New York Times - Arts

"The saltwater is collapsing inward from all three directions," said Pierre Lacombe, a hydrologist with the United States Geological Survey.

The New York Times

But it's in the nature of stable systems to become unstable, collapsing inward because a tiny issue won't go away.

Huffington Post

Making the effort to have a genuine connection with a few friends or family members on a regular basis can help create that habit, so that when things are hard, it's already second nature to reach out instead of collapsing inward.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some paintings barely hold together; others collapse inward into strange, shapeless masses.

The New York Times - Arts

Meanwhile, the 2007 Tour de France was about to collapse inward on itself.

The New York Times - Sports

The Ufundi Cooperative House, which houses a secretarial college and offices, collapsed inward on itself, trapping scores of people.

The New York Times

If the initial gas cloud is rotating, that rotation will speed up as it collapses inward, much like an ice skater drawing her arms in.

Harvard University

When my life collapsed inward — which is what death is, life collapsing deep into itself — that phrase remained outside the collapsing; it became a thing separate from me.

The New Yorker

"They were like accidents waiting to happen". What Dr. Noyes was observing was the fact that women's knees tend to collapse inward when they land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapsing inward" when you want to convey a sense of something folding or drawing closer to its center, often with negative connotations like failure or destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "collapsing inward" too frequently in metaphorical contexts if a simpler term like "failing" or "declining" is more direct and appropriate. Always make sure the inward motion is relevant to the meaning you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapsing inward" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as a predicate to describe an action of something falling or drawing closer to its center. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples showcase its application in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collapsing inward" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of something folding or drawing closer to its center, often in a destructive or negative way. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While its frequency is rare, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic writing. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "caving in" or "imploding" to ensure the most precise and impactful communication. Be mindful of overusing it in metaphorical contexts where simpler language might suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caving in

Focuses on the yielding or subsiding aspect of the collapse.

imploding

Highlights the sudden and forceful nature of the inward collapse.

folding in on itself

Emphasizes the self-contained nature of the collapsing action.

compressing

Stresses the reduction in volume or space.

drawing inward

Implies a gradual and continuous movement toward the center.

contracting

Focuses on the reduction in size or scope.

converging

Highlights the coming together from different points.

compacting

Stresses the process of becoming more dense.

sinking inward

Emphasizes the downward and inward direction of the collapse.

retreating inward

Implies a withdrawal or recession towards the center.

FAQs

How can I use "collapsing inward" in a sentence?

You can use "collapsing inward" to describe physical structures failing, such as "The old mine shaft was collapsing inward." It can also describe abstract concepts, such as "The project's support base was collapsing inward after the scandal."

What's a good alternative to "collapsing inward"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "collapsing inward" include "caving in", "imploding", or "folding in on itself".

Is "collapsing inward" formal or informal?

"Collapsing inward" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the specific context than the overall tone.

What causes something to "collapse inward"?

Things can "collapse inward" due to structural failure, external pressure, or a loss of internal support. The specific cause depends on what is collapsing.