ability to trip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to trip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or potential to cause someone to stumble or fall, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "His ability to trip others up in conversation often left them feeling confused and frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The movie turns on Mr. Coogan's megalomaniacal portrayal, converting Mr. Wilson's astonishing ability to trip over his own fleshy vowels into a comic prop.

The New York Times

The flipside is a sense that Wenger's Arsenal can't shake the ability to trip themselves up, and there is only so far they can go.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Starting today, Gowalla is opening the ability to create trips to all users.

TechCrunch

The directions would offer the ability to plan trips, getting estimated travel times for bus, train and subway transit methods.

TechCrunch

As expected, migrants are at the mercy of state immigration-control mechanisms for their ability to make trips back to the homeland.

Comparative Migration Studies

Older citizens, in common with most other citizens, rely on transport for access to goods, services and social networks that enable wellbeing, and it is known that psycho-social benefits accrue from the ability to make trips for discretionary as well as instrumental purposes (Davey 2007; Metz 2000).

Ageing and Society

Alan Josephs, director of packaging for Orbitz, the Internet reservations site, said the Web in particular "gives the customer the ability to take the trip they want to take, without losing the savings".

The New York Times - Travel

The journey back home after a week of rest and medical treatment in the Marshall Islands capital of Majuro was marked by long layovers in Honolulu and Los Angeles, where doctors checked his health and ability to continue the trip.

The Guardian

The most compelling feature is the ability to plan your trip on your PC, and then sync the route to your Nokia phone.

TechCrunch

BlablaCar's app features the ability to post a trip then add the number of available seats and price per passenger.

TechCrunch

One of the developers of the latest version, Adi Kushnir, is blind, and he noted in a press release that the ability to plan a trip ahead of time is crucial for those with limited eyesight.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ability to trip" to describe a specific skill or tendency, whether physical or figurative. For example, "Her ability to trip opponents was key to her success in the game."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to trip" solely in literal contexts when a more nuanced or descriptive phrase would better convey the intended meaning. For instance, in a business setting, consider alternatives like "propensity to undermine" or "tendency to create obstacles" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to trip" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a capacity or skill. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct, although not frequently used. It can refer to a physical skill or a metaphorical talent for causing problems.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ability to trip" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes the capacity to cause someone to stumble, either physically or metaphorically. While Ludwig marks the phrase as correct, its frequency is rare. Its usage spans across news, media, and scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "tendency to stumble" or "aptitude for tripping up" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likelihood of losing balance

Directly addresses the probability of a physical loss of equilibrium.

tendency to stumble

Focuses on a predisposition to lose balance and fall.

propensity to fall

Highlights an inclination toward falling, emphasizing the outcome rather than the cause.

aptitude for tripping up

Emphasizes a natural skill or talent for causing others to stumble, often figuratively.

capacity for causing errors

Shifts the focus to a figurative meaning, referring to the potential to induce mistakes or failures.

potential to undermine

Focuses on the ability to weaken or destabilize something, highlighting a more strategic or intentional action.

liability to blunder

Highlights a weakness or susceptibility to making significant mistakes.

inclination to err

Emphasizes a tendency to deviate from correctness or accuracy.

risk of failure

Focuses on the potential for negative outcomes rather than the specific action of tripping.

vulnerability to missteps

Highlights a weakness or susceptibility to errors in judgment or action.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to trip" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to trip" to describe someone's literal skill at causing others to fall or figuratively to describe someone's knack for causing problems for others. For example, "The athlete's ability to trip opponents was unmatched," or "His ability to trip up negotiations led to the deal falling through."

What can I say instead of "ability to trip"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tendency to stumble" (if referring to physical clumsiness), "capacity for causing errors" (if referring to mistakes), or "aptitude for tripping up" (if referring to causing others to make mistakes).

Is it better to say "ability to trip" or "tendency to trip"?

The choice between "ability to trip" and "tendency to trip" depends on the intended meaning. "Ability" suggests a skill or capability, while "tendency" suggests an inclination or likelihood. Use "ability" if you want to emphasize a developed skill and "tendency" if you want to emphasize a predisposition.

What's the difference between "ability to trip" and "skill at tripping"?

While both phrases refer to the same concept, "ability to trip" is a more general way of expressing the capacity to cause someone to stumble or fall. "Skill at tripping" emphasizes the proficiency and expertise in performing the action. For example, “He has the ability to trip” suggests a basic capability, while “He has skill at tripping” implies a refined technique.