Search from various English teachers...
imto
What's the difference between topple and collapse?
What's the difference between topple and collapse?
Dec 21, 2012 4:11 PM
Answers · 2
2
By 'topple', we usually mean that something fell to the side, not straight down.
Collapse can mean breaking, then falling straight down or to the side.
A roof would probably collapse, falling straight through to the floor or ground below, but we wouldn't say it toppled.
In the case of a tower or tree which was blown over by the wind or was cut down, we would more likely say they toppled or toppled over.
You can also say that a government or leader can be toppled if they are overthrown.
December 21, 2012
2
the only difference is: a pile of books can topple, but a person does not topple. a person can collapse. topple is just for something that is stacked (books, building (bricks), plates, boxes). does that make sense? :)
December 21, 2012
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
imto
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), Chinese (Cantonese), English, Japanese
Learning Language
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Japanese
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
12 likes · 11 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 6 Comments
More articles