partially collapsed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partially collapsed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has experienced a collapse to some extent but is not completely fallen or destroyed. Example: "The building was found to be partially collapsed after the earthquake, posing a significant safety risk to the surrounding area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Buildings had partially collapsed.

The New York Times

Twenty-three are completely or partially collapsed.

The New York Times

Casa Roig's paneled ceilings partially collapsed.

The New York Times - Arts

The Cathedral of Noto partially collapsed on 13 March , 1996

Construction and Building Materials

Two people were hospitalized after the building partially collapsed.

The Guardian

Office furniture can be seen sitting inside partially collapsed buildings.

The New York Times

Suffers a fractured left collar-bone and two broken ribs along with a partially collapsed lung.

The Guardian - Sport

Recasner fractured his right shoulder and suffered a partially collapsed lung on Oct. 27.

The New York Times - Sports

X-rays showed no broken bones, but my lungs had partially collapsed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They had come across a young man hiding in a partially collapsed building.

The New York Times

Our guide's grandmother and 9-year-old niece were killed after his house partially collapsed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing structural damage, use "partially collapsed" to indicate that a structure has not completely fallen but has suffered significant damage. This provides a clear picture of the extent of the damage.

Common error

Avoid using "partially collapsed" when the structure is fully destroyed; instead, use terms like "completely collapsed" or "destroyed" to accurately reflect the state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partially collapsed" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, providing information about the state or condition of that noun. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to describe buildings, structures, or even body parts that have undergone some degree of failure or breakdown without being completely destroyed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "partially collapsed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that has experienced some degree of collapse without being completely destroyed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to provide descriptive detail, conveying the extent of damage or failure in a neutral register. It is most frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the state of the object being described, avoiding overstatement or understatement. Alternatives such as "partly fallen" or "incompletely collapsed" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partly crumbled

Focuses on the disintegration aspect, suggesting a gradual decline.

partially crumbled

Emphasizes a gradual decline or decay, similar to "partly crumbled" but with a more formal tone.

incompletely collapsed

Highlights the lack of completeness in the collapse, emphasizing the remaining structure.

partially destroyed

Broadens the scope to any form of destruction, not just collapse.

partly fallen

Specifically refers to a downward movement or falling, suitable for structures.

partially impaired

Shifts the focus to functionality rather than physical structure.

partially failed

Indicates a lack of complete success or functionality, applicable to systems or plans.

partially ruined

Suggests a state of damage and decay, often with a sense of loss or devastation.

partially subsided

Implies a sinking or settling, suitable for ground or structures resting on it.

slightly damaged

Downplays the severity of the collapse, focusing on minor harm.

FAQs

How can I use "partially collapsed" in a sentence?

Use "partially collapsed" to describe something that has fallen or broken down to some extent but is not completely destroyed. For example, "The building was found to be "partially collapsed" after the earthquake, posing a significant safety risk to the surrounding area."

What can I say instead of "partially collapsed"?

You can use alternatives like "partly fallen", "partially crumbled", or "incompletely collapsed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "partially collapsed" or "completely collapsed"?

The correct phrase depends on the degree of collapse. Use "partially collapsed" when something is not fully down, and "completely collapsed" when it is entirely down.

What's the difference between "partially collapsed" and "slightly damaged"?

"Partially collapsed" indicates a more significant structural failure than "slightly damaged". The former suggests a part of something has fallen or caved in, while the latter implies minor harm.