comes crashing down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comes crashing down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden failure or collapse of something, often in a dramatic or impactful way. Example: "After years of hard work, his dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur came crashing down when the market crashed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Instead, the world comes crashing down on the soldiers.

The New York Times

But when the world economy comes crashing down, the odds of failure multiply.

The New York Times

When it comes crashing down, she will be a borough away.

The New York Times

When I raise my hand to take the oath of office, that new world order comes crashing down".

The New Yorker

The phrase "after Auschwitz" sometimes comes crashing down like the sixteen-ton weight that ends certain Monty Python skits.

The New Yorker

(As he speaks, there is a warning cry from above and a load of debris comes crashing down).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Or was everything poised to come crashing down?

The New Yorker

"The boom just came crashing down," he said.

The New York Times

This edifice came crashing down in the recession.

The New York Times

All that came crashing down, of course, with his arrest.

The New Yorker

Maybe it will come crashing down in the Super Bowl.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact. This phrase adds intensity, so it's suitable when you want to convey a sense of shock, surprise, or disappointment.

Common error

While effective, "comes crashing down" can lose its impact if overused. Vary your language with synonyms or more descriptive alternatives to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comes crashing down" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It vividly describes a sudden and catastrophic failure, collapse, or destruction. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively communicates a sense of dramatic downfall.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comes crashing down" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a sudden and often dramatic collapse or failure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use, particularly in news and media. While its vivid imagery makes it effective, remember to use it judiciously to avoid overstatement. For more formal contexts, consider alternative phrases like "collapses suddenly" or "suffers a downfall". Remember to balance impact and formality to best suit your writing's purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapses suddenly

Focuses on the sudden nature of the collapse but lacks the dramatic impact.

falls apart

Emphasizes disintegration or failure, but it is less dramatic and can imply a gradual process.

crumbles to pieces

Suggests a breakdown into smaller fragments, emphasizing fragility.

implodes spectacularly

Highlights a dramatic inward collapse, adding a visual element.

is destroyed rapidly

Stresses the speed of destruction, but it is more passive and less vivid.

fails dramatically

Focuses on failure with intensity, but it is less descriptive.

suffers a downfall

Emphasizes a loss of status or power, focusing on the negative outcome.

meets its end abruptly

Highlights a sudden conclusion, but it lacks emotional impact.

reaches a sudden demise

Focuses on the end or death of something quickly, without emphasizing collapse.

is brought to ruin swiftly

Emphasizes quick ruination, focusing on the action rather than the collapse itself.

FAQs

How can I use "comes crashing down" in a sentence?

This phrase typically describes something failing or collapsing in a sudden, dramatic way. For example, "After years of success, the company's reputation "comes crashing down" due to scandal."

What's the difference between "comes crashing down" and "falls apart"?

"Comes crashing down" suggests a sudden, forceful collapse, while "falls apart" implies a more gradual disintegration. The former has a more dramatic and immediate impact.

What can I say instead of "comes crashing down"?

You can use alternatives like "collapses suddenly", "crumbles to pieces", or "fails dramatically" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "comes crashing down" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "comes crashing down" might be too informal or dramatic for certain formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "is destroyed rapidly" or "suffers a downfall" for a more neutral tone.