What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caved
Example
The roof of the old building caved in after the heavy snowfall. [caved: past tense]
Example
Under the weight of the boulders, the tunnel slowly caved, creating a new passage. [caved: verb]
collapsed
Example
The bridge collapsed under the weight of the truck. [collapsed: past tense]
Example
She collapsed on the floor after running a marathon. [collapsed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
In everyday language, collapsed is more commonly used than caved. Collapsed is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while caved is less common and more specific to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caved and collapsed?
Both caved and collapsed can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, collapsed is more commonly used and may be considered slightly more formal due to its broader usage.