to lapse into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to lapse into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of gradually falling into a particular state or condition, often an undesirable one. Example: "After a long day at work, I tend to lapse into a state of exhaustion and forget about my responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Schily urged his countrymen not "to lapse into panic".

The New York Times

See how easy it is to lapse into this vacuousness.

The Guardian

Mr. Howard's temptation is to lapse into cartoonish stereotyping.

The New York Times - Arts

Looking back across the past two decades, it is easy for me to lapse into nostalgia.

Cornell University

The older we get, the more likely we are to lapse into a sedentary lifestyle.

Harvard University

It appeared to give conversational answers, although it could be led to lapse into obtuse nonsense.

The New York Times

Dehydration leads them to lapse into comas and die peacefully, doctors said.

The New York Times

It's all too easy to lapse into an 'out of sight, out of mind' approach".

The Guardian

Wales had hoped to hurt England here, only to lapse into blanket defence.

The Guardian - Sport

It's less musically focused than their debut, but also less inclined to lapse into straightforward pastiche.

The Guardian - Music

During one of them, Colin seemed ready to lapse into a coma.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to lapse into" when describing a gradual and often unintentional transition into a state, especially a negative one, like "to lapse into silence" or "to lapse into bad habits".

Common error

While "to lapse into" is generally acceptable, be mindful of its slightly informal tone. In highly formal or technical writing, consider stronger or more precise alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to lapse into" functions as a prepositional phrase that often modifies a verb, indicating a gradual transition into a state or condition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing how someone or something falls into a particular state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to lapse into" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies a gradual shift into a specific state, frequently an undesirable one. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it describes unintended transitions like "to lapse into silence" or "to lapse into old habits". While versatile, it is best to use alternative words in a formal context to ensure that your writing is clear and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to fall into

Indicates a similar transition, often gradual or unintentional, into a state or condition.

to descend into

Implies a downward shift or decline into a negative state or situation.

to sink into

Suggests a gradual and often unwanted immersion into a state or condition.

to slide into

Conveys a smooth, often unnoticed, transition into a particular state.

to drift into

Emphasizes a passive or unintentional movement into a state or condition.

to degenerate into

Highlights a decline or deterioration into a lower or worse state.

to succumb to

Focuses on yielding or giving in to a negative influence or state.

to revert to

Indicates a return to a previous, often less desirable, state or behavior.

to regress to

Suggests a movement backward to an earlier stage of development or behavior.

to devolve into

Implies a decline or degradation into a simpler or less complex form.

FAQs

What does "to lapse into" mean?

The phrase "to lapse into" means to gradually fall into a particular state or condition, often one that is undesirable. For example, someone might "lapse into" silence or "lapse into" old habits.

How can I use "to lapse into" in a sentence?

You can use "to lapse into" to describe a transition, usually unintended, into a state. For instance: "After the excitement, she began "to lapse into" boredom."

What are some alternatives to "to lapse into"?

Alternatives include "to fall into", "to descend into", or "to sink into". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "to lapse into" or "to fall into"?

Both "to lapse into" and "to fall into" are valid options, but "to lapse into" often suggests a more gradual and perhaps less conscious transition. "To fall into" can imply a more sudden or abrupt change.