crashing down

USAGE SUMMARY

'crashing down' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to a sudden, dramatic falling or collapse. For example: After a century of stability, the once mighty empire came crashing down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has all come crashing down".

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

Or was everything poised to come crashing down?

The New Yorker

This edifice came crashing down in the recession.

The New York Times

That pipe later came crashing down, Mr. Ortiz explained.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

The laptop doesn't go crashing down with it.

The New York Times

"And all that came crashing down in an instant".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything, however, is about to come crashing down around them.

The New York Times

Instead, the world comes crashing down on the soldiers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crashing down" to vividly describe sudden and dramatic failures, whether literal or figurative. It effectively conveys a sense of impact and finality.

Common error

While effective in many scenarios, "crashing down" can sound overly dramatic in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "collapsing" or "failing" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crashing down" functions as a compound verb, often used to describe a sudden and forceful collapse or failure. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, like a building collapsing or someone's hopes being dashed. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crashing down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily within the realm of news and media, to portray a sudden and forceful collapse or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While effective in conveying drama and impact, writers should be mindful of the context and opt for more neutral alternatives like collapsing or "failing" in more formal settings. Its strength lies in its ability to vividly depict situations where something falls apart quickly and dramatically, leaving a lasting impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapsing

Focuses on the act of falling apart or losing structure, emphasizing structural failure.

plummeting

Emphasizes a rapid and steep descent, suggesting a quick and uncontrolled fall.

falling apart

Highlights disintegration and loss of cohesion, often in a more figurative sense.

tumbling down

Suggests a less controlled and more chaotic descent, often involving rotation or rolling.

descending rapidly

More formal and descriptive, emphasizing the speed and direction of the fall.

going downhill

Figurative and less dramatic, suggesting a gradual decline rather than a sudden crash.

imploding

Highlights a collapse inward, suggesting a concentrated and internal failure.

failing spectacularly

Emphasizes the magnitude and public visibility of the failure.

tanking

Informal term indicating a rapid and significant decline, particularly in financial contexts.

going under

Indicates complete failure or ruin, often in a business or financial sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "crashing down" to describe a sudden failure or collapse. For example, "The economy came crashing down after the financial crisis" or "His hopes came crashing down when he failed the exam".

What are some alternatives to "crashing down"?

You can use alternatives like "collapsing", "plummeting", or "falling apart" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'came crashing down' or 'crashed down'?

Both 'came crashing down' and 'crashed down' are grammatically correct, but 'came crashing down' emphasizes the process and suddenness of the collapse, while 'crashed down' is more direct and concise. 'Crashed down' is often preferred for physical objects, while 'came crashing down' is more suitable for abstract concepts.

When is it appropriate to use "crashing down" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "crashing down" when you want to emphasize the sudden, dramatic, and often destructive nature of a failure or collapse. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts, but be mindful of the tone, as it can sound overly dramatic in very formal settings. Consider the alternatives collapsing or "failing" for a more neutral tone.