threat of collapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threat of collapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing potential failure or instability in various situations, such as economics, structures, or systems. Example: "The engineers warned of a threat of collapse if the building's foundation was not reinforced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The Afghan bank under severe threat of collapse was closed, as usual, on Friday, the national day of rest.

The New York Times

You might think that, for executives and employees alike, the threat of collapse would have concentrated the mind wonderfully.

The New Yorker

Will even the threat of collapse force Cameron to confront and beat his ageing, monomaniac MPs and activists?

The Guardian

And only if he returns as first minister will the Northern Ireland Assembly, the cornerstone of the Good Friday accord, pull back from the threat of collapse.

The New York Times

Or is the more pressing issue weak spending stemming from an overhang of debt, a shortage of credit and the threat of collapse in the euro zone, Britain's main export market?

The Economist

We are subtly misled to think of Eve, struggling with her overcoat and her hangover, as another of the damaged investigators familiar from the screen, where the distinction between detectives and deviants is ever in threat of collapse.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Those terrifying threats of collapsing banks and mystery currencies and runaway businessmen – well, they have only convinced a mere one per cent of Scots we are better together.

Independent

We also had more threats of collapsing buildings, bomb scares on nearby landmarks, and instructions to pack an emergency bag and have the whole family ready to leave on a split-second's notice without having any idea where we would go.

Vice

But this time the more patent threat of economic collapse may be concentrating minds.

The Economist

Under the new contracts A&E is under threat of complete collapse.

Independent

In a recent speech, Mr Assad talked about the threat of "economic collapse".Public finances are in deep trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "threat of collapse", consider specifying what is under threat and the potential consequences to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "threat of collapse" in situations where the potential negative outcome is minor or easily recoverable. Reserve it for scenarios involving significant damage or irreversible consequences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threat of collapse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing impending danger or potential failure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threat of collapse" is a common noun phrase used to describe situations where something is in imminent danger of failing or breaking down. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you specify what is under threat and the potential consequences. While interchangeable with alternatives like "risk of failure", it is important to consider the specific nuance each phrase conveys. Using "threat of collapse" appropriately can effectively communicate the urgency and severity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of failure

Emphasizes the probability of not succeeding, differing from "threat of collapse" by focusing on the outcome rather than the impending danger.

danger of disintegration

Highlights the potential for breaking apart, which is similar to collapse but specifies the type of failure.

imminent breakdown

Focuses on the nearing point of failure, suggesting a system or structure is about to cease functioning.

impending ruin

Emphasizes a disastrous outcome that is about to occur, similar to collapse but with a stronger connotation of devastation.

looming failure

Highlights the proximity and inevitability of a negative outcome, differing slightly in its focus on the expected result.

potential for downfall

Focuses on the inherent possibility of a fall from a high position or state, similar to a collapse but more metaphorical.

risk of implosion

Suggests a collapse inward, which is a specific type of collapse, but still shares the core concept.

possibility of disintegration

Highlights the potential for falling apart into smaller pieces, emphasizing a loss of cohesion.

chance of catastrophe

Emphasizes the possibility of a disastrous event, which collapse could lead to, but is broader in scope.

vulnerability to disintegration

Focuses on the susceptibility to falling apart, rather than the active threat.

FAQs

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

You can use "threat of collapse" to describe situations where something is in danger of failing or breaking down. For example, "The old bridge faced a "threat of collapse" due to years of neglect".

What are some alternatives to "threat of collapse"?

Alternatives include "risk of failure", "danger of disintegration", or "imminent breakdown", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "risk of collapse" or "threat of collapse"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""threat of collapse"" often implies a more immediate or actively impending danger, while "risk of collapse" can refer to a more general possibility.

What is the difference between "threat of collapse" and "actual collapse"?

"Threat of collapse" describes a situation where something is in danger of collapsing, but hasn't yet. "Actual collapse" refers to a situation where the collapse has already occurred.