folding in on itself

USAGE SUMMARY

"folding in on itself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something collapsing or crumpling inwards, like a piece of paper or a structure. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is physically, mentally, or emotionally collapsing or becoming overwhelmed. Example 1: As the building began to crumble, the walls seemed to fold in on themselves, creating a loud crashing sound. Example 2: The company's financial troubles were compounded when their largest investor pulled out, causing the business to start folding in on itself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

If he weren't allowed the opportunity, however, you'd worry that "The Station Agent" might implode, folding in on itself in pent-up emotion.

The New York Times

Perhaps, the novel seems to suggest, this is how a mind can break, folding in on itself, elaborate as an origami swan, until it is torn apart.

The New Yorker

"Part III: Source" begins with a watery, reverberant introduction by Ms. Halvorson, and then assumes a lurching, elastic groove, folding in on itself.

The New York Times - Arts

That song's electric guitar screech is heard again in Grid – alongside a repeated lyric from I Decline, as though the album were folding in on itself – a wail amid electric shocks of percussion.

The Guardian - Music

I saw the first ash enter the air like a drop of dye in water, shooting forward then folding in on itself, expanding, losing definition, before being recharged with another burst.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "folding in on itself" when you want to convey the idea of something collapsing inwardly, either literally (like a structure) or metaphorically (like an organization or a person's mental state).

Common error

Avoid using "folding in on itself" to describe actions that are directed outward. The phrase specifically denotes an inward collapsing motion or a self-referential process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "folding in on itself" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing the action of something collapsing inward or becoming self-referential. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. The examples provided illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "folding in on itself" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes an inward collapse or increasing self-reference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, and should be used to accurately depict inward actions rather than outward ones. Consider alternatives like "collapsing inward" or "imploding" for similar meanings. While its use is not extremely frequent, it's appropriate in various writing contexts when describing literal or metaphorical collapses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapsing on itself

A slightly more direct synonym for the original phrase.

collapsing inward

Focuses on the inward movement and collapse.

imploding

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful collapse inward.

contracting upon itself

Highlights the action of shrinking and drawing inwards.

crumpling inward

Suggests a bending or crushing inward.

drawing in on itself

Indicates a gradual pulling inward.

turning inward

Implies a shift of focus or direction toward the inside.

becoming self-contained

Emphasizes isolation and inward focus.

converging on itself

Highlights the meeting or merging of parts toward a central point.

recoiling inward

Suggests a sudden movement or reaction inward.

FAQs

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

You can use "folding in on itself" to describe a physical collapse, such as "The building's weakened structure caused it to start folding in on itself". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The company's financial problems caused it to begin folding in on itself, leading to internal conflicts".

What does it mean when something is "folding in on itself"?

When something is "folding in on itself", it means that it is collapsing or crumpling inwards. It can also mean that something is becoming self-absorbed, self-destructive, or that a system is becoming increasingly complex and self-referential.

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

You can use alternatives like "collapsing inward", "imploding", or "contracting upon itself" depending on the context.

Is "folding in on itself" used in formal writing?

"Folding in on itself" can be used in various contexts, including formal writing, as long as the meaning is appropriate. It is used in "news and media" and "science" sources.