possibility of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibility of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential risks or vulnerabilities in various contexts, such as engineering, finance, or structural integrity. Example: "The engineers assessed the structure and noted the possibility of collapse if the necessary reinforcements were not made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But if the reservoir is refilled, the dam faces the possibility of collapse.

The New Yorker

Serra insists that the possibility of collapse was never part of his aesthetic.

The New Yorker

For the first time, he noted, the E.U. "saw the possibility of collapse".

The New York Times

As stocks are continuously fished beyond sustainable levels and demand increases, fish populations worldwide face the possibility of collapse.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The possibility of collapse depends on the extent of Bashar's control within his regime," said Mr. Saleh, the writer.

The New York Times

The possibility of collapse of the exchanges is of deep concern to the Egyptian leader ship, which accepted the Unit ed States initiative at the cost of disrupting unity efforts among many Arab groups for a military confrontation with Israel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

As the structure becomes open due to removal of one component, a possibility of collapsing the structure cannot be ignored, which may further affect the size and shape of the capillary and hence liquid flow through it.

Fashion and Textiles

When mapped against the N. tabacum assembly, a low number of N. tabacum sequences (3.4%) showed SNPs either supporting the possibility of collapsing of homeologous sequences in the assembly, or sequencing errors.

BMC Genomics

Which means possibilities of collapse of (1) the value of the U.S. dollar, (2) the U.S. commercial and economic activity, (3) the U.S. financial system, and (4) U.S. political alignments.

WikiHow

The collapse of one party (or sometimes just the possibility of a collapse) can be disastrous for the other.

The New York Times

Short and long ring-stiffened cylinders, which were designed to isolate interframe and overall collapse modes, respectively, were considered as were some intermediate length cylinders where the possibility of interactive collapse was also present.

Marine Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing infrastructure or systems, quantify the "possibility of collapse" with data or evidence to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "possibility of collapse" as a certainty without sufficient evidence; this can undermine your credibility. Use qualifiers like 'potential', 'risk', or 'threat' to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibility of collapse" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a preposition. This phrase often expresses a potential outcome or a condition that could arise, usually referring to negative or undesirable consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possibility of collapse" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing potential failures or breakdowns across various domains. Ludwig highlights that the phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While grammatically sound, writers should carefully consider the context and potential overstatement when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "risk of failure" or "likelihood of breakdown" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to substantiate claims about potential collapse with evidence to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of failure

Focuses on the potential for something to fail, emphasizing the risk aspect.

likelihood of breakdown

Highlights the chance of a system or structure breaking down.

potential for disintegration

Emphasizes the possibility of something falling apart into its component pieces.

prospect of ruin

Focuses on the potential for complete devastation or destruction.

threat of implosion

Highlights the danger of something collapsing inward.

danger of subsidence

Specifically refers to the risk of sinking or caving in, often related to ground or structure.

chance of decompensation

Emphasizes the risk of losing structural integrity and stability.

eventuality of disintegration

Focuses on the potentiality of something falling apart.

hazard of fragmentation

Highlights the potential for something breaking into smaller pieces.

susceptibility to failure

Emphasizes the vulnerability or weakness that makes something prone to failing.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "possibility of collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "possibility of collapse" when discussing potential structural failures, systemic breakdowns, or any situation where something could fall apart. For example: "The engineers assessed the "risk of failure" in the bridge's design."

What are some alternatives to "possibility of collapse"?

Alternatives include "risk of failure", "likelihood of breakdown", or "potential for disintegration", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "potential of collapse" instead of "possibility of collapse"?

Yes, "potential of collapse" is grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably with "possibility of collapse". Both phrases convey the same meaning.

What factors contribute to the "possibility of collapse" in a building?

Factors can include poor design, substandard materials, inadequate maintenance, natural disasters, or unexpected loads. Each of these can increase the "risk of failure".