he collapses backward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he collapses backward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person falling or leaning back suddenly, often in a dramatic or unexpected manner. Example: "After hearing the shocking news, he collapses backward onto the floor in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He collapsed backward as red began to glide down the green of his fatigues.

The New York Times

My body collapses backward onto the table.

The New York Times - Health

With a prizefighter's grace, he darted from spot to spot, collapsing backward onto the stage only to spring up in a mercuric flash.

The New York Times - Arts

She sat back down, started shaking and then collapsed backward on the bed.

The New York Times - Health

The boy was strapped in a car seat behind his mother, but in the impact her seat collapsed backward, smashing his eye socket and fracturing his skull.

The New York Times

Grabbing the gilded frame, the seventy-six-year-old man heaved the masterpiece toward himself until it tore from the wall and Saunière collapsed backward in a heap beneath the canvas.

The Economist

- he collapses.

The Guardian

And then he collapses.

The Guardian - Sport

Then he collapses, bleeding.

The New Yorker

Back in the train, he collapsed.

The New Yorker

He collapsed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he collapses backward" to vividly describe a sudden and often unexpected fall or yielding motion, especially when emphasizing the backward direction. This phrase works well in narrative contexts to add dramatic effect.

Common error

Avoid using redundant directional adverbs with "collapses". While "backward" specifies direction, ensure it logically complements the action. Overuse or misuse can weaken the imagery. Be precise and avoid ambiguity in the context of usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he collapses backward" functions primarily as a descriptive element in narrative or expository writing. It vividly illustrates the action of someone falling or yielding in a backward direction, often suggesting a sudden loss of control or strength. Although no direct examples are found, the Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he collapses backward" is grammatically sound and serves to depict a sudden fall or yielding motion in reverse. While Ludwig validates its correctness, the phrase lacks direct examples to fully assess its usage frequency across varied contexts. It is most likely to be seen in news media and science-related content, and carries a neutral tone that makes it versatile for different types of writing. Although it may not be commonly found, it is semantically sound and useful to add detail or emphasis to a subject’s actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he falls back

This is a more general way to describe falling backward without specifying the nature of the fall.

he tumbles backward

This suggests a less controlled and possibly more chaotic fall backward.

he reels backward

This implies a staggering motion backward, often from a blow or shock.

he stumbles backward

Suggests a loss of balance leading to a backward movement.

he leans back and collapses

This separates the leaning action from the collapse itself, emphasizing the sequence of events.

he collapses onto his back

This specifies the final position after the collapse.

he succumbs and falls backward

This emphasizes a yielding or giving in before falling backward.

he crumples backward

This suggests a more complete and immediate loss of structural integrity during the fall.

he keels over backward

Implies a tipping or overturning motion backward.

he is forced backward and collapses

This highlights an external force causing the backward movement and subsequent collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "he collapses backward" in a sentence?

Use "he collapses backward" to describe someone falling or leaning back suddenly, often due to physical or emotional distress. For instance: "After hearing the shocking news, "he collapses backward" onto the chair in disbelief".

What are some alternatives to "he collapses backward"?

You can use alternatives like "he falls back", "he tumbles backward", or "he reels backward" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he collapses backward" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he collapses backward" is grammatically correct. The verb "collapses" agrees with the singular subject "he", and "backward" functions as an adverb specifying the direction of the collapse.

What's the difference between "he collapses backward" and "he falls backward"?

"He collapses backward" implies a sudden loss of strength or consciousness leading to a fall, whereas "he falls backward" is a more general term that simply describes the action of falling in a backward direction. The first suggests a more dramatic or significant event.