crumble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crumble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of breaking or falling apart into small pieces, often used in the context of food or structures. Example: "The old building began to crumble after years of neglect, leaving debris scattered across the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without him, the whole enterprise would crumble into the sea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Reduce the oven to 170C/325F/gas mark 3. 3 Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl, whisk for 30 seconds, then crumble in the feta cheese.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Claire Ptak is a food writer and developer, violetcakes.com It's easier to dip the cake when it's a day old, as a fresh one can sometimes crumble.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With a high proportion of butter in the mix, the crumble should quickly come together in small clumps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now against England, over the last two matches at least, the Australian Test story has come to follow a familiar script: diligently compile a first innings lead, bowl with discipline and composure, set things up nicely for the final day, then either crumble in the final innings if batting, or fall a couple of wickets short of the win if bowling.

The Guardian - Sport

Crumble the sausagemeat into large pieces and fry until golden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Marco is also the face of both Bernard Matthews and condiment makers Knorr, so you could always go and sit on a park bench somewhere, crumble a stock cube over a packet of Hickory BBQ Turkey Chunks and live out your fantasy of fine dining that way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Talking of sourness, rhubarb is abundant in the shops at the moment, and deserves a life beyond crumble.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They might, but they only last if somebody really wants to see it; if they are put away in storage, they will crumble.

The Guardian - Arts

Fold lightly together then mix in the blackberries, taking care not to squash the fruit as you go. 3 For the crumble topping, combine the flour, oats and sugar in a bowl then add the butter in small pieces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By contrast, the "how certain?" question suggests that significant Lib Dem and Green support could still crumble.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crumble" to describe abstract concepts like support or confidence, ensure the context clearly establishes the metaphorical connection to physical disintegration. For example, "His confidence began to crumble under the intense scrutiny".

Common error

While "crumble" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing where more precise synonyms like "deteriorate" or "collapse" might be more appropriate. Consider the tone and audience when choosing your vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The word "crumble" primarily functions as a verb, describing the process of breaking or falling apart into smaller fragments. Ludwig examples show it used both literally, referring to physical objects, and figuratively, describing abstract concepts such as confidence or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crumble" is a verb that describes the action of something breaking apart into smaller pieces or deteriorating over time. It is a versatile word that can be used both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and the analysis of its usage across various contexts, from news reports to lifestyle articles, demonstrates its common occurrence and broad applicability. To ensure clarity and precision, be mindful of the context and choose synonyms judiciously in formal writing. It is important to use "crumble" in situations where the context clearly establishes the metaphorical connection to physical disintegration. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "crumble" enhances your ability to communicate effectively and add depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall apart

Emphasizes a complete loss of structure or integrity, similar to "crumble" in its broadest sense.

disintegrate

Implies a gradual decay or decomposition into smaller parts, akin to a slow "crumble".

decay

Suggests a decline in quality or strength over time, often leading to eventual "crumbling".

collapse

Indicates a sudden loss of structural integrity, a rapid form of "crumbling".

break down

Signifies a failure or cessation of function, possibly resulting from internal "crumbling".

deteriorate

Highlights the progressive worsening of a condition or state, which could lead to "crumbling".

weaken

Implies a reduction in strength or resistance, a precursor to potentially "crumbling".

disintegrate

Implies a separation into constituent parts, similar to the action of "crumble" but on a larger scale.

decline

Suggests a gradual reduction in quality or importance, resembling a slow "crumbling" of influence or power.

fall into pieces

Represents the end result of an object or structure after the process of "crumbling".

FAQs

How can I use "crumble" in a sentence?

You can use "crumble" to describe something that breaks into small pieces, such as "The cookie began to "crumble" in my hand". It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is failing or weakening, such as "The empire began to "crumble" under the weight of its own bureaucracy".

What are some synonyms for "crumble"?

Some synonyms for "crumble" include "disintegrate", "decay", "collapse", and "fall apart". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the building is crumbling"?

Yes, "the building is "crumbling"" is grammatically correct. It describes the process of the building gradually falling into pieces.

What's the difference between "crumble" and "collapse"?

"Crumble" suggests a gradual disintegration, while "collapse" implies a sudden and complete failure. A building might "crumble" over many years, but it "collapses" in an instant.