What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collide
Example
The car collided with the truck at the intersection. [collided: past tense]
Example
The soccer players collided while going for the ball. [collided: verb]
crash
Example
The plane crashed into the mountain, causing a huge explosion. [crashed: past tense]
Example
The cyclist crashed into a tree and injured himself. [crashed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crash is more commonly used than collide in everyday language, especially when referring to accidents or collisions. Crash is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while collide is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collide and crash?
Both collide and crash can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, crash is often associated with a more dramatic and intense tone, while collide is generally more neutral in its connotation.