colliding with

USAGE SUMMARY

"colliding with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the action of two objects or ideas coming into contact with each other with force or impact. Example: The two cars collided with each other at a busy intersection, causing a loud crash and a pile-up of vehicles. In this sentence, "collided with" is used to describe the two cars coming into forceful contact with each other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

After colliding with a cloudberg, the chopper.

The New Yorker

He thought about colliding with that fence.

The New York Times - Sports

I swerved right, nearly colliding with said 18-wheeler.

The New York Times

Planets, the theory goes, evolve by colliding with each other.

The Economist

Neutrophils may also engulf particles after colliding with them accidentally.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's no avoiding the threat of something colliding with Earth.

Britannica

First-world profits are colliding with third-world problems.

The New York Times

Then he slid, his head colliding with Moore's behind.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course, birds have died after colliding with turbines.

The New York Times

But Miguel retired before halftime after colliding with Pauleta.

The New York Times - Sports

After colliding with Anmer, Davison collapsed unconscious on the track.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid being repetitive, consider using variations such as "crashing into", "striking", or "impacting", especially in longer texts.

Common error

While "colliding with" is effective for describing physical impacts, overuse in abstract contexts can make your writing less precise. For example, instead of saying "the project is colliding with budgetary constraints", consider "the project is facing budgetary constraints" for a more accurate and less dramatic representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colliding with" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a forceful impact or clash between two entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "colliding with" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote forceful impact or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a broad range of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While primarily neutral in register, its usage should be tailored to the specific context to avoid over-dramatization or imprecision. Consider alternatives such as "impacting on", "crashing into", or "intersecting with" to enhance clarity and avoid repetition. This makes it a versatile tool in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crashing into

This alternative vividly describes a forceful and often destructive collision, emphasizing the impact and potential consequences.

smashing into

It strongly emphasizes a violent collision and the damage that results.

impacting on

This phrase emphasizes the effect or influence resulting from the collision, shifting the focus from the act of colliding itself.

ramming into

This implies a deliberate and forceful collision, suggesting an intention to cause damage or disruption.

striking against

This phrase highlights the forceful contact and potential damage resulting from the collision, adding a sense of intensity.

meeting head-on with

This phrase indicates a direct and often confrontational encounter, highlighting the opposing nature of the collision.

bumping into

This suggests a gentle or accidental collision, suitable when the impact is not severe or intentional.

coming into contact with

This describes a general interaction or touching, but doesn't necessarily mean damage will follow.

intersecting with

This suggests a crossing or overlapping of paths, suitable when describing abstract concepts or trajectories.

converging upon

Suggests elements coming together towards a single point, not necessarily with the implication of a violent impact.

FAQs

How can I use "colliding with" in a sentence?

You can use "colliding with" to describe physical impacts, such as "The car was "colliding with" the barrier" or to illustrate conflicting ideas, as in "Traditional values are "colliding with" modern trends".

What are some alternatives to "colliding with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "crashing into", "impacting on", "striking against", or "intersecting with".

When is it inappropriate to use "colliding with"?

Avoid using "colliding with" when describing gentle or harmonious interactions. It's best suited for scenarios involving force, conflict, or significant impact.

Is there a difference between "colliding with" and "meeting with"?

"Colliding with" implies a forceful or conflicting encounter, while "meeting with" suggests a planned or neutral interaction. Therefore, the appropriate option depends on the specific context.