he collapsed

USAGE SUMMARY

"he collapsed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical or mental breakdown, or to describe someone suddenly sitting or lying down. Example: After running the marathon, he collapsed in exhaustion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He collapsed.

The New York Times

Moments later, he collapsed.

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly he collapsed and died".

The Guardian

And then suddenly he collapsed.

The New Yorker

He collapsed on the sand.

The New Yorker

He collapsed onto the floor.

The New York Times

He collapsed to the floor.

The New York Times

The next evening, he collapsed.

The New Yorker

He collapsed in his chair.

The New Yorker

Then he collapsed.

The New York Times

Back in the train, he collapsed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he collapsed" to describe a sudden and unexpected loss of physical stability, consciousness, or emotional control. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether the collapse is literal or metaphorical.

Common error

Ensure clarity when using "he collapsed" metaphorically. Provide sufficient context to distinguish between a literal physical collapse and a figurative breakdown (e.g., emotional, financial). For example, clarify if "he collapsed under the pressure" refers to stress or a physical ailment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he collapsed" primarily functions as a declarative statement describing a past event. It indicates a sudden loss of physical stability or consciousness. Ludwig provides examples from various contexts, confirming its usage across different situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he collapsed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a sudden fall, loss of consciousness, or emotional breakdown. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While several alternatives exist, such as "he passed out" or "he broke down", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "he collapsed", ensure clarity by providing sufficient context to differentiate between literal physical collapses and metaphorical breakdowns. Avoiding ambiguity enhances the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he broke down

This alternative emphasizes an emotional or mental breakdown rather than a purely physical one, though it can imply both.

he passed out

This focuses specifically on a loss of consciousness, suggesting a temporary medical condition or exhaustion.

he fainted

Similar to "passed out", this implies a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, often due to a medical reason.

he gave way

This suggests a structural or physical failure, like a support giving way, or a person succumbing to pressure.

he succumbed

This implies yielding to an illness, pressure, or force, suggesting a loss of control.

he keeled over

This implies a sudden and dramatic fall, suggesting a more visible and impactful collapse.

he crumbled

This focuses on a gradual breakdown, either physically or emotionally, rather than a sudden event.

he crashed

This suggests a sudden and forceful fall or failure, often used metaphorically for systems or plans.

he went down

This is a more general term for falling or failing, often used in sports or military contexts.

he lost consciousness

This specifically indicates a loss of awareness, focusing on the neurological aspect of the collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "he collapsed" in a sentence?

You can use "he collapsed" to describe someone suddenly falling down, losing consciousness, or experiencing a mental or emotional breakdown. For example: "After the race, "he collapsed" from exhaustion."

What are some alternatives to saying "he collapsed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he passed out", "he fainted", or "he broke down".

Is it correct to say "he collapses" instead of "he collapsed"?

While "he collapses" is grammatically correct, it describes a recurring action. "He collapsed" describes a single, past event. Use "he collapses" for habitual actions, and "he collapsed" for something that happened once.

What does it mean when someone "collapsed" emotionally?

When someone "collapsed" emotionally, it means they experienced a sudden and overwhelming breakdown of their emotional state. This could involve crying, panic attacks, or a loss of ability to cope with stress.