crumbling out

USAGE SUMMARY

"crumbling out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to describe something that is gradually breaking apart or falling apart. Example: The old abandoned building was crumbling out, with chunks of concrete and plaster falling to the ground as we walked past it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They were crumbling out of the bottom of my trousers".

The Guardian

"Often, the grout between tiles is mildewed or crumbling out," she said.

The New York Times

He added: "I believe in everybody working together and that together we could all accomplish great things together, but then I discover that's not the case and that the very foundation is crumbling out from under me.

The New York Times - Sports

Two-thirds of the Great Wall of China has been destroyed by sightseers, developers and erosion, Beijing's state-run media reported yesterday in a warning that the world heritage site is crumbling out of existence.

The Guardian

I think we can all agree on the smile that nobody wants, and that's the Can't Remember the Last Time I Went to the Dentist But My Teeth Have Started Crumbling Out of My Face smile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

America is following our lead". I think we can all agree on the smile that nobody wants, and that's the Can't Remember the Last Time I Went to the Dentist But My Teeth Have Started Crumbling Out of My Face smile.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

My hair fell out and my teeth crumbled out of my head.

The New York Times

So in his best-known -- and possibly best-realized -- work, "Flaubert's Parrot," Barnes created a riotous collage of episode and scholarly crumble out of the obsession of his narrator, Geoffrey Braithwaite, with the master.

The New York Times - Books

The Italian defence crumbled out wide in the opening minutes when Healy's lovely run and snappy pass out of a tackle sent O'Halloran stepping through to score on his first start of the season.

BBC

Crumble out enough blue to look pretty in a bowl, 2 to 3 ounces, and know it may go into salad dressing for the next meal.

Los Angeles Times

If any reader has a mind to take up golf, just watch one of the game's best players crumble out of contention in a hurry.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crumbling out", ensure the context clearly indicates a gradual process of disintegration, not a sudden collapse. For example, "The edges of the ancient manuscript were crumbling out after centuries of neglect".

Common error

Avoid using "crumbling out" when describing a sudden or immediate collapse. Phrases like "collapsing" or "falling apart" are more appropriate for instantaneous events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crumbling out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of gradual disintegration or decay. It often describes the way parts of something break away over time. As Ludwig AI points out, this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crumbling out" is a phrasal verb that aptly describes a gradual process of decay or disintegration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its usage is relatively rare, predominantly found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with its emphasis on a gradual process, rather than a sudden collapse. When in doubt, alternatives like "falling apart" or "disintegrating" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling apart

Suggests a more general state of disrepair or disintegration.

disintegrating

Implies a gradual breaking down or decomposition.

breaking down

Focuses on a loss of functionality or structure.

collapsing

Indicates a sudden and dramatic failure of structure or integrity.

decaying

Highlights the process of rotting or decomposition, often associated with organic materials.

deteriorating

Emphasizes a gradual decline in quality or condition.

giving way

Implies a yielding or collapsing under pressure or strain.

eroding

Suggests a wearing away or gradual destruction, often by natural forces.

decomposing

Specifically refers to the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms.

tumbling down

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled descent or collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "crumbling out" in a sentence?

"Crumbling out" suggests a gradual process of something deteriorating or falling apart. For example, "The old plaster was crumbling out from the walls".

What's a good alternative to "crumbling out"?

Depending on the context, you could use "falling apart", "disintegrating", or "breaking down".

Is "crumbling out" formal or informal?

"Crumbling out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in news articles and general writing. More formal contexts might require more precise vocabulary.

Which is correct, "crumbling out" or "falling apart"?

Both "crumbling out" and "falling apart" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Crumbling out" implies a slow, gradual disintegration, while "falling apart" can suggest a more rapid or general breakdown.