risk of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

"risk of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a potential danger or threat of something falling apart or failing. For example: "The bridge was in poor condition and posed a serious risk of collapse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Otherwise, there's the risk of collapse.

The New Yorker

They were at a heightened risk of collapse.

The New Yorker

Yet tenants remained until authorities identified the risk of collapse.

The New York Times

Of these, 69% are at risk of collapse.

The Guardian

Imperfections are smoothed out overnight, but the risk of collapse is ever-present.

The Guardian - Film

But the entire edifice of healthcare would be at risk of collapse throughout the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Ardito said "poor" did not mean a structure was at risk of collapse.

The New York Times

The pension fund for retired Chicago teachers stands at risk of collapse.

The New York Times

If not, then eight of Italy's lenders could be at risk of collapse.

The Guardian

"There is a risk of collapse," said Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign policy chief.

The Guardian

He accepts there is a risk of collapse but is determined the court should survive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "risk of collapse", ensure that you clearly identify what is at risk. For example, specify "the risk of the building's collapse" rather than simply stating "risk of collapse".

Common error

Avoid using "risk of collapse" hyperbolically. Using it for minor issues dilutes its impact and can be misleading. Reserve it for genuinely serious situations where structural or systemic failure is a real possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risk of collapse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a complement in a sentence. It describes a situation where there is a possibility of something failing structurally or systematically, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "risk of collapse" is a versatile phrase used to describe a potential for failure in various contexts, ranging from physical structures to abstract systems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its prominence in contexts like News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "danger of collapse" and "threat of collapse" exist, "risk of collapse" maintains a formal tone suitable for professional and analytical writing. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to be specific about what is at risk and to avoid hyperbolic use, reserving it for situations where actual failure is a tangible possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

danger of collapse

Focuses on the immediate threat and imminence of failure, emphasizing the perilous nature of the situation.

threat of collapse

Highlights the potential for failure as a menacing possibility, often used in more abstract contexts.

possibility of collapse

Indicates a chance of failure, suggesting uncertainty but acknowledging the potential outcome.

likelihood of collapse

Emphasizes the probability of failure based on current conditions or trends.

imminent collapse

Signifies that failure is on the verge of occurring, implying a critical and immediate concern.

potential for collapse

Highlights the inherent capability or susceptibility of something to fail under certain conditions.

chance of failure

General term referring to the probability that something will not succeed.

prospect of disintegration

Points to a gradual process of falling apart, often used for systems or organizations.

fragility

Denotes the state of being easily broken or damaged, implying a high susceptibility to failure.

instability

Refers to a lack of equilibrium or firmness, suggesting a vulnerability to failure.

FAQs

How can I use "risk of collapse" in a sentence?

You can use "risk of collapse" to describe situations where something is in danger of failing or falling apart, such as "The old bridge has a high "risk of collapse"".

What are some alternatives to "risk of collapse"?

Alternatives include "danger of collapse", "threat of collapse", or "possibility of collapse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "risk of collapse" or "danger of collapse"?

"Risk of collapse" and "danger of collapse" are often interchangeable, but "danger" can imply a more immediate and severe threat than "risk".

What factors contribute to the "risk of collapse" in buildings?

Factors contributing to the "risk of collapse" can include poor construction, natural disasters, age, and lack of maintenance. Addressing these factors can help mitigate the "threat of collapse".