danger of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "danger of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a risk or threat of something falling down or failing, such as in construction, engineering, or metaphorical situations. Example: "The old bridge has been deemed unsafe due to the danger of collapse, prompting officials to close it to traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Their business is in danger of collapse.

The Guardian - Opinion

THE Kimberley Process (KP) is in danger of collapse.

The Economist

The facade, too, was in danger of collapse.

The New York Times

Today, Lebovits' prosecution is in danger of collapse.

The Guardian

Politics - Is the coalition government in danger of collapse?

The Guardian

DEXTER FILKINS: Well, I think Pakistan is in danger of collapse in any case.

The New Yorker

That could mean restructuring debts, imposing losses on creditors and helping banks in danger of collapse.

The Economist

The peace talks are in danger of collapse if no formula is found, they added.

The New York Times

If that share climbed higher still, the Democratic majority would be in danger of collapse.

The New York Times

Yet this carefully constructed world was in constant danger of collapse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Signs warn "Danger of collapse!" and "Enter At Your Own Risk".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing structural issues, clearly identify what is at risk of collapsing and provide specific details about the potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "danger of collapse" for minor inconveniences or figurative situations where the risk is not substantial. Use more appropriate and nuanced language to reflect the actual level of threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "danger of collapse" functions as a noun phrase typically used to describe a state of imminent failure or structural instability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "danger of collapse" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where something is at significant risk of failing or falling apart. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the specific source. When using "danger of collapse", ensure that it accurately reflects the severity of the situation and consider alternative phrases like "risk of failure" or "threat of breakdown" for nuanced contexts. Avoid overusing it in minor or figurative situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of failure

Focuses on the potential for something to fail or not succeed, rather than specifically collapsing.

threat of breakdown

Highlights the imminent possibility of something ceasing to function properly.

peril of disintegration

Emphasizes the risk of something falling apart or losing its cohesion.

risk of disintegration

Focuses on the chance of breaking down into parts.

imminent failure

Stresses the nearness of the failure.

impending crash

Highlights an upcoming, often sudden, failure or collapse.

potential for ruin

Shifts the focus to the possibility of complete destruction or failure.

likelihood of disintegration

Focuses on the probability of breaking down.

chance of catastrophe

Emphasizes a disastrous outcome, often more general than a simple collapse.

possibility of implosion

Specifies a collapse inwards, rather than outwards or downwards.

FAQs

How can I use "danger of collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "danger of collapse" to describe situations where something is at risk of falling apart or failing structurally. For example: "The old building was in "danger of collapse" due to structural damage."

What are some alternatives to "danger of collapse"?

Alternatives include "risk of failure", "threat of breakdown", or "peril of disintegration" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "danger of collapse" over "risk of failure"?

"Danger of collapse" is best used when referring to physical structures or systems that could literally fall apart. "Risk of failure" is more general and can apply to abstract concepts or processes.

Is "risk of collapse" or "danger of collapse" more common?

Both phrases are used, but according to the provided examples, "danger of collapse" appears more frequently in news and media contexts when describing imminent structural failures or systemic breakdowns. However, "risk of collapse" is also a valid and frequently used alternative.