computer crash

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "computer crash" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when talking about an instance when a computer malfunctions or stops working unexpectedly. For example, "I was working on an important document when the computer suddenly crashed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The vote-counters announced a computer crash.

The New York Times - Magazine

On April 5th the exchange was closed for almost eight hours, due to a computer crash.

The Economist

A computer crash meant that vital treatment instructions were not saved.

The New York Times

At 12 57 p.m. — six minutes after yet another computer crash — the first of several radioactive beams was turned on.

The New York Times - Health

IF there is a silver lining in every cloud, finding one in my computer crash was a challenge.

The New York Times

Last Tuesday, during a story conference, "300 Naked Women Feared Lost in Computer Crash" made the cut.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The computer crashed.

The New Yorker

(a) My computer crashed.

The New Yorker

When my computer crashes.

The Guardian - Tech

My computer crashes: it is too hot.

The New York Times

My computer crashes in empathy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always back up your important data to prevent data loss in case of a "computer crash". Utilizing cloud services or external hard drives ensures that your files remain safe and accessible.

Common error

Don't assume that your work will automatically be recovered after a "computer crash". Always save your progress frequently, as auto-recovery features are not always reliable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "computer crash" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes an unexpected computer malfunction, which aligns with numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "computer crash" is a commonly used term to describe an unexpected malfunction of a computer. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific, encyclopedic and wiki sources. Due to the high frequency of computer use in modern life, understanding and preventing the causes of a "computer crash" are essential. Using best practices such as regularly backing up data can prevent data loss. While "computer crash" is a neutral term, more specific alternatives like "system failure" or "hardware failure" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

system crash

A more concise way to express the same concept.

system failure

Refers to a more general breakdown of a system, not necessarily limited to computers.

program malfunction

Specifically points to an issue with a program rather than the entire computer.

hardware failure

Indicates a problem with the physical components of the computer.

software error

Highlights an error within the software causing the computer to fail.

device malfunction

Broader term that applies to any device, including computers, experiencing a failure.

operating system failure

More specific type of crash, indicating a problem with the operating system.

technical fault

General technical problem that leads to a computer not working.

blue screen of death

Informal term for a specific type of crash in Windows operating systems.

kernel panic

Specifically refers to a crash in Unix-like operating systems.

FAQs

How can I use "computer crash" in a sentence?

You can use "computer crash" to describe a situation where a computer malfunctions unexpectedly. For example, "I lost all my unsaved work due to a sudden "computer crash"".

What are some alternative terms for "computer crash"?

Some alternatives include "system failure", "program malfunction", or "hardware failure" depending on the specific cause of the issue.

What causes a "computer crash"?

A "computer crash" can be caused by various factors, including software errors, hardware issues, overheating, or corrupted files. Identifying the cause can help prevent future crashes.

Is a "computer crash" the same as a "system crash"?

While often used interchangeably, a "computer crash" generally refers to a malfunction of a single computer, whereas a "system crash" can refer to a broader network or system failure.