things falling apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things falling apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where circumstances are deteriorating or becoming chaotic. Example: "After the sudden resignation of the CEO, it felt like things were falling apart within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Things falling apart over time.

The New Yorker

But "Yankee Hotel" is more about things holding together than about things falling apart.

The New Yorker

"Take back control" was a perverse slogan that cleverly captured a feeling of things falling apart.

The Guardian

"It's about things falling apart and coming together again," said Ms. Shaw, 30, who wrote the piece for the vocal group she sings in, Roomful of Teeth.

The New York Times

For some this felt like things falling apart, and literature captured the moment, spewing up some bitter prejudices and biting caricatures.

The Guardian - Books

Perlstein's account depends on things falling apart in spectacular fashion — a version that's advanced by drawing chiefly on the news media, which fills everything with extra voltage, rather than on personal interviews.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Things fall apart.

The New Yorker

Things fell apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All things fall apart.

University of California, Berkeley

In November 2008, things fell apart.

The New York Times

But then things fell apart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things falling apart" to describe situations where multiple aspects are simultaneously deteriorating, suggesting a widespread problem rather than an isolated issue.

Common error

Avoid using "things falling apart" in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly problematic. Reserve it for scenarios involving significant disruption, instability, or collapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things falling apart" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or complement in a sentence. It describes a state of decline or disintegration. Examples provided by Ludwig suggest its common usage in describing societal or personal crises.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things falling apart" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations of decline, chaos, or disintegration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for diverse contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it should be reserved for scenarios of significant disruption rather than trivial inconveniences. Semantically similar alternatives include "everything is unraveling" or "the center cannot hold". Remember that it should be used when multiple aspects are simultaneously deteriorating rather than an isolated issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything is unraveling

Emphasizes a gradual and progressive disintegration.

situations are disintegrating

Highlights the breakdown of a situation into smaller parts.

the center cannot hold

Indicates a loss of central authority or stability.

decline and decay

Focuses on the gradual deterioration and decomposition of something.

falling into ruin

Suggests a state of physical or metaphorical dilapidation.

going downhill

Implies a decline in quality or condition.

everything's going wrong

Highlights a series of unfortunate events or failures.

coming apart at the seams

Emphasizes a breakdown due to internal pressure or strain.

descending into chaos

Focuses on a rapid and uncontrolled decline into disorder.

hitting rock bottom

Indicates reaching the lowest possible point in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "things falling apart" in a sentence?

You can use "things falling apart" to describe a situation where there is a sense of chaos or disintegration. For example, "After the company lost its biggest client, it felt like "things falling apart"."

What are some alternatives to "things falling apart"?

Alternatives include phrases like "everything is unraveling", "the center cannot hold", or "situations are disintegrating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things falling apart"?

It is appropriate when describing situations where there is a marked decline or disintegration, often involving multiple elements or aspects. It suggests a significant degree of disorder or collapse, not just minor inconveniences.

Is "things falling apart" a formal or informal expression?

"Things falling apart" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news articles, literature, and general conversation than in highly technical or academic writing. The overall tone of the writing should be considered.