might topple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might topple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of something falling over or collapsing, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "If the government doesn't address the economic crisis, the entire system might topple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Another minaret might topple before I returned.

The New Yorker

It looked as though he might topple backward.

The New Yorker

The Russians feared that even limited military action might topple Bashar al-Assad, their protégé.

The New York Times

Concerns that the wall might topple recently prompted a call from a city official.

The New York Times

Your peonies lean their vast heads westward as if they might topple.

The New Yorker

The brakes were applied forward, which in emergency situations meant that the entire car might topple over.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

At 24 minutes, you are able to give more considered thought to the idea and think more carefully of the many reasons why it might actually work, why it might be better than what is out there, and why it might just topple conventional wisdom.

Harvard Business Review

Charity has long provided an outlet for surpluses that might otherwise topple prices or lead to public shame and high disposal fees for companies.

The Guardian - Opinion

She might just topple Labour from a seat in an area which, in 1997, it counted as one of its safest.

The Guardian

It opened up the possibility of al-Qaida and Isis militants joining forces to form a powerful coalition that might even topple Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

The Guardian

Opened late last year, it's home to a rooftop suite housed in half a real railway car, which looks like it might just topple off the edge of the building.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might topple" when suggesting a possibility of something collapsing or being overthrown, particularly in contexts involving structures, governments, or institutions. This phrase implies a potential but not certain event.

Common error

While "might topple" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal academic or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and technical alternatives like "could destabilize" or "may collapse" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might topple" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or a potential outcome. It suggests that something could fall, collapse, or be overthrown but is not certain to do so. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "might topple" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the potential for something to collapse or be overthrown. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various writing contexts. It finds frequent use in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, be mindful of context and consider more precise alternatives in highly formal writing. Remember, the phrase suggests a possibility, not a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could collapse

Expresses a similar possibility of something falling or failing but uses a different modal verb and noun.

may fall

Indicates a possibility of decline or collapse, focusing on the action of falling.

could be overthrown

Specifically suggests a forceful removal from power or position.

risks collapsing

Highlights the inherent risk or vulnerability to collapse.

is in danger of falling

Emphasizes the imminent threat of collapse or downfall.

faces potential downfall

Focuses on the possibility of a significant decline or failure.

threatens to collapse

Highlights the potential for something to fall or break down.

is on the verge of collapse

Implies that something is very close to falling or failing.

might be destabilized

Suggests the possibility of losing stability or balance.

is liable to fail

Indicates a strong likelihood of failure or collapse.

FAQs

How can I use "might topple" in a sentence?

You can use "might topple" to suggest the possibility of something collapsing. For example, "The unstable structure might topple in a strong wind" or "The government might topple if it doesn't address the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "might topple"?

Alternatives include "could collapse", "may fall", or "could be overthrown", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "might topple"?

"Might topple" is appropriate when discussing potential instability or collapse, especially in news, media, and general discussions. It's suitable for expressing uncertainty about an impending event.

Is "might topple" formal or informal?

"Might topple" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In highly formal academic or scientific writing, more precise alternatives such as "could destabilize" or "may collapse" might be preferable.