crumbles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crumbles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that breaks apart or falls apart, often used metaphorically to indicate failure or deterioration. Example: "As the pressure mounted, the team's strategy began to crumble under scrutiny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Victorian statuary crumbles away.

The Guardian

It is charged with destroying the jobs of ordinary people while enriching the likes of Mr Romney.In this section An economy crumbles The perils of prudence In praise of pessimists Can you hear me now?

The Economist

So, too, was weaker current-year growth.In this section An economy crumbles The perils of prudence In praise of pessimists Can you hear me now?

The Economist

And as Congo crumbles, it grows harder to plunder: operations at Ituri's vast Kilomoto gold mine, for example, have virtually ceased since local peasants started digging up its airstrip and panning the dirt for ore.The UN is scratching its head for a solution.

The Economist

It fully merged Satyam with its own IT arm in June, lowering its stake to 26% in the process but helping to boost the value of the combined entity, which has reached $6 billion.The big worry is that Mahindra will have a "Nokia moment", when an apparently unassailable position crumbles.

The Economist

It may seem paradoxical for people to express strong support for democracy even while their confidence in politicians and political institutions crumbles.

The Economist

As Max crumbles, his thoughts and memories seem physically to swell within him, expressed in sentences that are ever expanding with another clause, another adjective, another assonance being added to the travelling wave.

The Economist

One is listlessness and drift, as discipline crumbles, morale plummets and ideas dry up.

The Economist

They (this author is among them) are the front edge of a generation that might be called "post-gay": one that may grow up wondering what all the fuss was about.Yet as bigotry crumbles, new questions arise.

The Economist

Without this discipline the system crumbles, which to Mr Clarke is abhorrent.

The Economist

If Colonel Qaddafi's state crumbles, the West should not seek to disband his army or the upper echelons of his administration, as it foolishly did in Iraq.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crumbles" to vividly describe the gradual deterioration or failure of structures, systems, or abstract concepts, conveying a sense of decline over time.

Common error

While "crumbles" is widely applicable, overuse in formal or technical writing can diminish its impact. Vary your vocabulary with more precise terms like "deteriorates", "degrades", or "fails" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crumbles" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "crumble". It describes an action of gradually breaking or falling apart. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crumbles" functions primarily as a verb indicating a gradual process of breaking down or deteriorating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts. While versatile, consider using more specific alternatives in highly formal or technical writing to enhance precision. "Crumbles" finds frequent usage in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content, effectively portraying decline and disintegration. Remember to use "crumbles" to paint a vivid picture of gradual failure, but remain mindful of its impact in different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crumbles away

Adds emphasis to the gradual disappearance or wearing down of something.

falls apart

Implies a sudden or complete disintegration, often with a sense of chaos.

breaks down

Suggests a gradual process of failing or ceasing to function effectively.

falls to pieces

Similar to "falls apart", but can emphasize a more fragmented or chaotic outcome.

disintegrates

Emphasizes the loss of cohesion and the separation into smaller parts.

collapses

Indicates a sudden failure or loss of structure, often under pressure.

decays

Refers to a gradual process of rotting or decline, often associated with organic matter.

deteriorates

Highlights a decline in quality or condition over time.

gives way

Indicates a yielding or collapsing under pressure or strain.

dissolves

Suggests a gradual disappearance or fading away, often in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "crumbles" in a sentence?

You can use "crumbles" to describe the deterioration of something, such as "The ancient building slowly crumbles" or metaphorically, such as "His confidence crumbles under pressure".

What are some alternatives to "crumbles"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "falls apart", "breaks down", or "disintegrates".

What does it mean when something "crumbles"?

When something "crumbles", it means it gradually breaks apart, deteriorates, or loses its structural integrity. It can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts.

Is it appropriate to use "crumbles" in formal writing?

Yes, "crumbles" can be used in formal writing, but consider the context. In some cases, a more precise term might be more suitable. For example, in a scientific paper, "degrades" or "deteriorates" might be preferred.