sink into a coma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sink into a coma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person falling into a state of unconsciousness or a deep, prolonged sleep, often due to a medical condition or injury. Example: "After the accident, he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors feared he might sink into a coma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then they sink into a coma and die.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Eventually, he sank into a coma.

The New Yorker

In 2006, when her weight dwindled to 55 pounds, she sank into a coma.

The New York Times

However, before sinking into a coma, the jogger said his attacker had been "European".

The Guardian

Their agitation subsided only as they sank into a coma, ending in death".

The New York Times - Books

Only when his father sinks into a coma, in August 2008, does this bruised soul finally return to Argentina.

The New York Times - Books

Both his legs were broken, his skull was fractured, his lungs collapsed, he suffered a stroke, and he sank into a coma for three weeks.

The New York Times

They could slowly run out of oxygen, succumbing to mental dullness and possibly convulsions before sinking into a coma and dying.

The New York Times

Like a doctor trying to learn why his patient is sinking into a coma, Dr. McDowell, a plant physiologist, has set up a kind of intensive care unit for trees to find out precisely how they die, though unlike his physician counterparts, Dr. McDowell is nudging his patients toward an early death.

The New York Times - Science

Now, after the close election a month ago, it is to be led by a team of civilians, whose view of the world has been shaped elsewhere than in barracks or on battlefields.This week, Ehud Olmert, who became prime minister and leader of Kadima when Ariel Sharon, the party's founder, sank into a coma last January, cut a deal with Amir Peretz, head of the Labour Party.

The Economist

He sank into a coma in the afternoon, and died at 10pm.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical situation, ensure that using "sink into a coma" accurately reflects the patient's condition, as it implies a serious and prolonged state of unconsciousness. Consider the context and choose a more specific term if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "sink into a coma" lightly or metaphorically, as it denotes a severe medical condition. Instead, use more appropriate language to describe less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sink into a coma" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of gradually entering a prolonged state of unconsciousness. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's often used in medical contexts to describe a patient's condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sink into a coma" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a gradual decline into a prolonged state of unconsciousness. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is most frequently found in news and media, wiki and science contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use it accurately, recognizing the serious medical condition it describes. Alternatives like "fall into a coma" or "lapse into a coma" offer similar meanings, but choosing the right phrase ensures clarity and sensitivity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall into a coma

Expresses a similar state of losing consciousness, with a slightly more abrupt connotation.

lapse into a coma

Indicates a gradual decline into a state of unconsciousness.

enter a coma

A more direct and clinical way of describing the start of a comatose state.

descend into a coma

Suggests a downward progression into unconsciousness, emphasizing the depth of the state.

become comatose

A more formal and medical term for entering a coma.

slip into unconsciousness

Describes a loss of consciousness, which may or may not lead to a coma.

succumb to a coma

Implies a lack of resistance to the condition leading to the coma.

fall unconscious

A general term for losing consciousness, without specifying the depth or duration.

lose consciousness

A basic way to express the act of becoming unconscious.

go into a deep sleep

A less severe way of describing a state resembling a coma, without the medical implications.

FAQs

What does "sink into a coma" mean?

"Sink into a coma" means to gradually enter a prolonged state of unconsciousness, often due to illness or injury. It implies a serious medical condition where the person is unresponsive.

What can I say instead of "sink into a coma"?

You can use alternatives like "fall into a coma", "lapse into a coma", or "enter a coma" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sink into a coma" metaphorically?

While language can be figurative, "sink into a coma" is best reserved for actual medical conditions. Using it metaphorically can trivialize a serious state of unconsciousness. Consider more appropriate phrasing for figurative descriptions.

How is "slip into a coma" different from "sink into a coma"?

"Sink into a coma" suggests a more gradual decline, while "slip into a coma" may imply a quicker, less predictable onset. Both describe entering a state of prolonged unconsciousness, but the nuance lies in the speed of transition.