NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 62
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Mrs. Bluezette's Grammar Guide
collision/crash
A letter from a Chicago manager inspired today's lesson on when to
use "collision" or "crash":
"We had an accident Friday when a CTA train slammed into the
rear of another train which had stopped on the track. One station
called it a `collision' and used that word in their graphics. Please
explain to your loyal readers when to use `collision' versus
`crash.' "
Charlie Schumacher
Assistant News Director, WGN-TV
Only two objects in motion can collide.
A train cannot collide with another train unless both trains are
moving.
So "crash" is the correct verb to use in the case Charlie cited.
v
The train CRASHED into the rear end of another train.
A car cannot "collide" with a utility pole OR with a tree OR with a
stopped train.
v
The car CRASHED into a utility pole.
v
The car CRASHED into a tree.
v
The car CRASHED into a train.
And one more thing to consider.
If the phrase "collided with" seems to fix blame, avoid it by using
this construction:
v
A truck and a bus COLLIDED.
Mrs. B hopes you don't have any grammar collisions OR crashes
today.
