fold in on itself

USAGE SUMMARY

"fold in on itself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to collapse or crumble inwards. It can be used in various contexts, but is often used when describing a physical object or structure. Here are some examples: - As the old building began to decay, the roof started to fold in on itself. - The paper airplane took flight, only to fold in on itself and land in a crumpled heap on the ground. - The collapsed tent seemed to fold in on itself, the fabric sinking into a pile on the forest floor. - The pastry chef expertly folded the dough in on itself to create perfectly flaky layers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The boys at NetbookNews took a closer look at some of Samsung's flexible display demos including one that can fold in on itself and another that is almost completely transparent.

TechCrunch

But the actual industry started to fold in on itself in about '93.

The New Yorker

First, the material is pulled towards the cell membrane, which then begins to invaginate, or fold in on itself, to envelop the material.

The Guardian

As Sir Chris Hoy carefully steers his bike forward to face a growing crowd, the gathering appears to fold in on itself.

Independent

Go big enough, and the amount of energy in the quantum fields becomes so great that it creates a black hole that causes the universe to fold in on itself.

The Guardian

When immersed in a liquid, the surface of the outer layer tissue swells up, leading to small compression forces that make it crease, buckle up, and fold in on itself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The pose is folded in on itself, a kind of ironic compositional modesty, showing only one scuffed shoe at the bottom right, and three brief quotations of blue stocking - a wry pun in this sensual work, which is all back and vertebrae.

The Guardian - Books

The film's signature scene throws Strange into a Manhattan that has folded in on itself.

The Guardian

As the surgeons wiped the face, the center of it folded in on itself a little.

The New Yorker

Gaga wore the Gehry hat all folded in on itself, a millinery version of Walt Disney Hall.

The New Yorker

When it is folding in on itself, the yellow ball is all you see.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fold in on itself" when describing physical objects or systems undergoing an inward collapse or compression. Ensure the context makes the direction of the collapse clear.

Common error

Avoid using "fold in on itself" in abstract scenarios where simpler terms like "become self-referential" or "collapse" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fold in on itself" functions as a phrasal verb, describing an action of collapsing or turning inward. Examples provided by Ludwig show its use in both literal and figurative contexts, indicating a versatile grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fold in on itself" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a process of inward collapse, compression, or self-referentiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and suitable for a range of writing styles, although it appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the context makes the direction of the collapse or compression clear, and avoid overusing the phrase in abstract scenarios. Alternatives such as "collapse inward" or "implode" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse inward

Emphasizes the inward direction of the collapse.

implode

Suggests a sudden and forceful inward collapse.

cave in

Indicates a downward collapse, often under pressure.

crumple inward

Focuses on the deformation and compression of the object.

buckle inward

Describes a bending or warping that leads to an inward collapse.

self-destruct

Suggests an intentional or automatic process of inward destruction.

become self-referential

Emphasizes the self-contained or recursive nature of the process, often in abstract contexts.

turn in on itself

Indicates a reflexive action where something directs its energy or focus inward.

coil inward

Describes a spiraling or winding motion towards the center.

draw inward

Suggests a pulling or contracting motion towards the center.

FAQs

How can I use "fold in on itself" in a sentence?

You can use "fold in on itself" to describe a physical collapse (e.g., "The building began to "fold in on itself" during the earthquake") or a more abstract process (e.g., "The narrative "folded in on itself", creating a circular structure").

What does it mean for something to "fold in on itself"?

When something "folds in on itself", it collapses or turns inward, often becoming compressed or self-contained. It can also describe something that becomes self-referential or cyclical.

What can I say instead of "fold in on itself"?

You can use alternatives like "collapse inward", "implode", or "cave in" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "folded in on itself"?

Yes, ""folded in on itself"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It accurately describes the action of collapsing or turning inward.