if it collapses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it collapses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are discussing the potential failure or breakdown of something, such as a plan, structure, or system. Example: "We need to have a backup plan in place if it collapses under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

If it collapses, its replacement may be less eager to shove Serbia towards reintegration with the world.The government's latest woes started on October 20th, when Carla del Ponte, chief prosecutor of the Yugoslav war-crimes tribunal in The Hague, announced the indictment of four top Serb generals for alleged crimes in Kosovo in 1999.

The Economist

A sick Korea will find it harder to contain its unpleasant neighbour to the north, let alone catch it if it collapses like East Germany.

The Economist

And if it collapses?

The Economist

If it collapses in a disorderly manner, we're all doomed.

Independent

"We don't care if it collapses in parliament', he said.

The Guardian

The state could be responsible for some of the company's debt if it collapses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A cloud of gas has lots of potential energy; if it collapsed under its own gravity, it would convert that into some other form of energy.

Forbes

What would happen if it collapsed like Lehman Brothers did?

The Guardian - Business

As a result, if it collapsed, the counterparty could keep the margin payments.

The New York Times

With about 35 million policyholders, Anbang could shake China's financial system if it collapsed.

The New York Times

If it collapsed, it would kill you in a great whumphing thud.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it collapses", consider the specific type of failure you are describing. Choose synonyms or related phrases to better reflect the nature of the collapse, such as physical, systemic, or emotional.

Common error

Avoid using "if it collapses" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "in the event of failure" or "should it fail" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it collapses" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario that, should it occur, will lead to specific consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if it collapses" is a grammatically correct and usable conditional clause that expresses the potential for something to fail or break down. As Ludwig AI validates, this expression is suitable for discussing potential risks and encouraging proactive planning. While adaptable across various registers, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts. Remember to consider the specific type of failure and choose synonyms accordingly for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it breaks down

Highlights the functional aspect of failing.

in the event of its failure

Focuses on the possibility of failure as a condition.

were it to fail

A more formal way to express potential failure.

assuming it falls apart

Suggests disintegration or loss of cohesion.

in case it gives way

Focuses on yielding under pressure or stress.

should it crumble

Emphasizes a gradual breakdown or decay.

if it malfunctions

Specifically refers to operational failure.

on the off chance it implodes

Implies a sudden and catastrophic failure.

assuming it disintegrates

Focuses on something breaking into small pieces.

should it shatter

Suggests a sudden and violent breaking.

FAQs

How can I use "if it collapses" in a sentence?

You can use "if it collapses" to discuss potential failure. For example, "We need a contingency plan "if it collapses" under pressure."

What can I say instead of "if it collapses"?

You can use alternatives like "should it fail", "in the event of failure", or "if it breaks down" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "if it collapses" or "in the event it collapses"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""if it collapses"" is more common in general usage, while "in the event it collapses" is more formal.

What's the difference between "if it collapses" and "if it fails"?

While both suggest a negative outcome, ""if it collapses"" implies a more dramatic or structural failure compared to the more general "if it fails".