lead to a derailment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead to a derailment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a situation or action causes a failure or disruption, often metaphorically. Example: "The unexpected changes in the project timeline could lead to a derailment of our overall goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Both might lead to a derailment.

European Transport Research Review

This can lead to a derailment.

European Transport Research Review

Both may lead to a derailment.

European Transport Research Review

This may lead to a derailment too.

European Transport Research Review

Description: Too large track gauge might lead to a derailment.

European Transport Research Review

If the object is massive then such an event might lead to a derailment.

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A cracked rail led to a train derailment at Hatfield in 2000 that killed four people; trains were slowed down throughout the country as rails were checked for cracks.

Britannica

The crude oil boom in places like North Dakota has lead to a significant increase in the number of such trains, along with a significant increase in derailments.

Los Angeles Times

Rolling contact fatigue, e.g. head checking, is classified safety critical as these cracks may lead to the derailment of a vehicle.

Wear

This line of thinking ignores the inherent organizational dynamics that lead to the derailment of the executive in charge of IT; merely changing the job title won't fix the problem.

Harvard Business Review

This is believed to bring luck to the mission and, so far, has not led to any derailments or injuries.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lead to a derailment" when you want to emphasize a direct causal relationship between an action or situation and the occurrence of a train derailment, whether literal or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "lead to a derailment" too casually in contexts where the disruption isn't significant. Overusing strong imagery can weaken your writing if the situation doesn't warrant such a dramatic term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead to a derailment" functions as a causal connector, indicating that one event or situation causes another. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lead to a derailment" is a grammatically correct phrase that functions as a causal connector, often used to warn or inform about potential failures. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is usable in English and frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. While not extremely common, it’s appropriate for describing both literal train derailments and metaphorical failures. When using the phrase, consider its impact and avoid overusing it in trivial situations. Remember to contextualize and consider related phrases like "cause a train to derail" or "result in a derailment" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause a train to derail

Focuses specifically on the action of causing a train to leave the tracks.

result in a derailment

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence being a derailment.

trigger a derailment

Highlights the initiating action or event that starts the derailment.

bring about a derailment

Suggests a more active role in causing the derailment.

precipitate a derailment

Implies a sudden or hastened occurrence of the derailment.

contribute to a derailment

Indicates a partial influence or factor leading to the derailment.

be responsible for a derailment

Assigns blame or accountability for the derailment.

set the stage for a derailment

Suggests preparatory actions or conditions that make a derailment more likely.

play a role in a derailment

Indicates involvement or participation in causing the derailment.

pave the way for a derailment

Similar to 'set the stage', implying a gradual preparation for the event.

FAQs

How can I use "lead to a derailment" in a sentence?

You can use "lead to a derailment" to describe a situation or action that results in a train leaving its tracks, or metaphorically, to describe something causing a project or plan to fail. For example: "Poor maintenance can lead to a derailment" or "Constant disagreements could lead to a derailment of the project".

What are some alternatives to "lead to a derailment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cause a failure", "result in disruption", "trigger a collapse", or "contribute to the downfall".

Is it appropriate to use "lead to a derailment" in a business context?

Yes, "lead to a derailment" can be used metaphorically in a business context to describe something that causes a project, strategy, or company to fail or go off track. However, be mindful of the tone and audience, as it's a strong image. It is important to evaluate the context of use.

What kind of situations can "lead to a derailment"?

Many situations can "lead to a derailment", including negligence, faulty equipment, external interference, or poor planning. The phrase is frequently used in safety and risk analysis.