collapsing to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collapsing to the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone falling down or losing stability, often in a dramatic or sudden manner. Example: "After the intense battle, the exhausted soldier was seen collapsing to the ground, unable to continue fighting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He clutched his head, eyes wide open in shock, before collapsing to the ground face-first.

The Guardian - Sport

So why, one may argue, isn't every athlete collapsing to the ground?

The New York Times

She remembers screaming like "a wild animal," throwing books, papers, her laptop — and collapsing to the ground.

The Washington Post

"According to everything medical science teaches us, their bodies should be collapsing to the ground in two heaps".

The New Yorker

Pickford could only crash into Tarashaj, who peeled away to celebrate before collapsing to the ground clutching his ribs.

The Guardian - Sport

At the bomb scene, a woman in black robes knelt down by a pool of blood and began wailing, almost collapsing to the ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It collapsed to the ground.

The New York Times

Then he collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

The New York Times - Sports

Elderly men and women collapsed to the ground.

Independent

Camila, her tiny legs already exhausted, collapsed to the ground.

The Washington Post

Pigeon collapses to the ground, groaning in pain.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "collapsing to the ground" to vividly depict a sudden loss of stability or control, whether due to physical weakness, emotional distress, or external force. For example: "After running the marathon, she was seen collapsing to the ground from exhaustion."

Common error

Avoid using "collapsing to the ground" to describe a slow or deliberate action. This phrase implies a sudden and uncontrolled fall. Instead, use alternatives like "sinking to the ground" or "lowering to the ground" for gradual movements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collapsing to the ground" functions as a verb phrase typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of someone or something falling or losing stability and ending up on the ground. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sports

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "collapsing to the ground" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to depict a sudden loss of stability. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is accurate and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, and sports contexts, it vividly illustrates events where individuals or objects abruptly fall. While alternatives like "falling to the ground" exist, "collapsing" adds a sense of suddenness or drama. It's important to use this phrase to depict immediate actions and avoid applying it to scenarios involving gradual movements. In conclusion, "collapsing to the ground" effectively communicates an abrupt descent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Collapsing onto the floor

Similar meaning, but specifies "floor" instead of the more general "ground".

Falling to the ground

A more general term for losing one's footing and ending up on the ground.

Crumpling to the ground

Suggests a more sudden and less controlled descent, often associated with weakness or injury.

Slumping to the ground

Implies a slow and heavy fall, often due to exhaustion or unconsciousness.

Crashing to the ground

Emphasizes a forceful and possibly damaging impact with the ground.

Sinking to the ground

Indicates a gradual descent, often associated with emotional distress or defeat.

Falling prostrate

Implies a submissive or worshipful gesture of falling face down.

Succumbing to gravity

A more figurative and sometimes humorous way of saying someone has fallen.

Going down

A simple and direct way of saying someone fell, though less descriptive.

Hitting the deck

An informal term, often used in military or action contexts, for falling to the ground quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "collapsing to the ground" in a sentence?

"Collapsing to the ground" is used to describe a sudden fall, often due to exhaustion, injury, or emotional distress. Example: "The runner, after crossing the finish line, was seen "collapsing to the ground"."

What are some alternatives to "collapsing to the ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "falling to the ground", "crumpling to the ground", or "slumping to the ground".

Is it correct to say "collapsed on the ground" instead of "collapsing to the ground"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Collapsing to the ground" describes the act of falling, while "collapsed on the ground" describes the state of being fallen. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "collapsing to the ground" and "falling to the ground"?

"Falling to the ground" is a general term for losing one's footing. "Collapsing to the ground" implies a more sudden and often dramatic fall, suggesting a loss of control or strength. Consider that "falling to the ground" is more general.