lapsed into a coma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lapsed into a coma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has fallen into a state of unconsciousness or a coma, often due to a medical condition or injury. Example: "After the accident, he lapsed into a coma and remained unresponsive for several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later he lapsed into a coma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She lapsed into a coma.

The New York Times

Subsequently he lapsed into a coma.

The New York Times

Eventually, on May 3, Sands lapsed into a coma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Boumediene lapsed into a coma and died that December.

The Economist

However, she was sentient to the last, when she lapsed into a coma.

Harvard University

He wrenched his shoulder, took to his bed, became ill, and lapsed into a coma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He lapsed into a coma and died Saturday night, a week after the incident.

The New York Times - Sports

Seemingly healthy hours earlier, most have lapsed into a coma, punctuated by convulsions.

The New York Times

Blood loss deprived her brain of oxygen, and she lapsed into a coma.

The New Yorker

When I returned, he had lapsed into a coma and could no longer speak.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lapsed into a coma", ensure the context clearly indicates the preceding event or condition that led to the coma. For example, specify the illness or injury that caused the person to lose consciousness.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses (e.g., "lapses into a coma" when referring to a past event) or incorrect prepositions (e.g., "lapsed in a coma"). "Lapsed into a coma" is the standard and grammatically correct form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapsed into a coma" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of entering a state of prolonged unconsciousness. As shown in Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used to describe a significant decline in health or neurological function, leading to a state of unresponsiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lapsed into a coma" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of entering a prolonged state of unconsciousness. As supported by Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is most commonly found in news reports, encyclopedia entries, and academic articles, indicating its suitability for neutral and formal contexts. While alternatives like "fell into a coma" or "slipped into a coma" exist, "lapsed into a coma" is a clinically accurate way to convey a serious medical condition. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, reinforcing its role in describing critical health situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fell into a coma

Simple substitution of "lapsed" with "fell", maintaining the original meaning.

Slipped into a coma

Replaces "lapsed" with "slipped", suggesting a gradual transition into a coma.

Went into a coma

Another simple and direct alternative, similar to "fell into a coma".

Became comatose

Uses the adjective form of "coma", indicating a state of being in a coma.

Entered a comatose state

More formal and descriptive, emphasizing the state of being in a coma.

Developed a coma

Focuses on the development of the coma as a medical condition.

Succumbed to a coma

Implies a yielding or submission to the condition of being in a coma.

Lost consciousness

A more general term indicating a loss of awareness, not necessarily a coma.

Entered a state of unconsciousness

Similar to "lost consciousness" but emphasizes the state of being unconscious.

Became unresponsive

Indicates a lack of response to stimuli, which can be a result of a coma or other conditions.

FAQs

What does "lapsed into a coma" mean?

The phrase "lapsed into a coma" describes the action of someone entering a state of prolonged unconsciousness, typically due to a severe illness, injury, or medical condition. It signifies a decline in neurological function leading to unresponsiveness.

Are there synonyms for "lapsed into a coma"?

Yes, several phrases carry similar meanings, such as "fell into a coma", "slipped into a coma", or "became comatose". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

How is "lapsed into a coma" different from "passed out"?

"Lapsed into a coma" indicates a prolonged state of unconsciousness due to a serious medical condition, while "passed out" usually refers to a temporary loss of consciousness, often from fainting or a brief medical issue. A coma is a more severe and sustained condition.

Is it appropriate to use "lapsed into a coma" in informal settings?

While "lapsed into a coma" is grammatically correct, it's a serious and clinical phrase. In informal settings, it might be more appropriate to use less formal alternatives if the context allows, but accuracy should always be prioritized.