What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sag
Example
The old mattress sagged in the middle. [sagged: past tense]
Example
Her shoulders sagged with disappointment. [sagged: verb]
Example
The company's profits began to sag after the economic downturn. [sagging: present participle]
collapse
Example
The building collapsed after the earthquake. [collapsed: past tense]
Example
The bridge collapsed under the weight of the truck. [collapsed: verb]
Example
She collapsed on the floor after feeling dizzy. [collapsed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Collapse is more commonly used than sag in everyday language. Collapse is a stronger and more dramatic word that is often used in news headlines, while sag is less common and used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sag and collapse?
Both sag and collapse can be used in formal and informal contexts, but collapse is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including technical or scientific writing.
