fall through the ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fall through the ice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to describe someone or something that has plunged through a thin layer of ice, such as a frozen river or lake. For example, "The hunter was not expecting the thin sheet of ice and he fell through it, plunging into the freezing cold water below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Try to conquer it, and you fall through the ice.

The Guardian

Mauliq means to accidentally fall through the ice".

The New York Times - Books

Caught whales could even fall through the ice if it's too thin.

The Guardian

A fall through the ice and an encounter with a bear prove no big deal.

The Guardian - Books

If you fall through the ice wearing a pair of these, you'll have trouble swimming.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I honestly did see a little terrier of some kind fall through the ice into a lake.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Among the casualties was a man, 75, in the Netherlands, who fell through the ice while skating on Wednesday morning.

BBC

I fell through the ice.

The Guardian - Music

He had fallen through the ice.

The New York Times

What if Ms. Brown falls through the ice?

The New York Times

A man fell through the ice and nobody missed him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about accidents or dangers in cold environments, using the phrase "fall through the ice" can vividly convey the risks associated with frozen bodies of water. Always ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "fall through the ice" metaphorically in contexts where the imagery doesn't quite fit. Overextending its use can dilute its impact, so reserve it for situations involving literal danger or sudden, unexpected failures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall through the ice" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing an action or event. It signifies a sudden and often dangerous plunge through a frozen surface. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall through the ice" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the event of breaking through a frozen surface. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence in news, media, and academic sources. While generally neutral in register, it conveys a sense of immediate danger and risk. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its literal or metaphorical implications, avoiding overuse in situations where the imagery is incongruent. Consider alternatives like "break through the ice" or "plummet into icy water" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go through thin ice

Highlights the condition of the ice being thin and unsafe.

break through the ice

Focuses on the action of breaking the ice layer rather than the result of falling.

plummet into icy water

Emphasizes the downward movement and the coldness of the water.

tumble into icy depths

Describes a less controlled fall into the frozen water.

submerge in freezing water

Highlights the act of being covered by the extremely cold water.

descend into the frozen waters

Similar to 'plummet', but with a slightly more controlled sense of going down.

crash through the frozen surface

Stresses the impact and the nature of the surface being breached.

drop into the frigid depths

Uses more descriptive language to convey the coldness and depth.

succumb to the ice's weakness

Adds a metaphorical layer, suggesting the ice's inability to hold weight.

end up in the frozen lake

Focuses on the final location after the incident.

FAQs

How can I use "fall through the ice" in a sentence?

You can use "fall through the ice" to describe an accident where someone plunges through a frozen body of water. For example, "The skater was not careful and ended up /s/falling+through+the+ice."

What are some alternative ways to say "fall through the ice"?

Alternatives include "break through the ice", "plummet into icy water", or "go through thin ice" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "fell through the ice" or "fall through the ice"?

"Fell through the ice" is the past tense, used to describe an event that has already happened, while "fall through the ice" is the present or future tense. The choice depends on the intended timeframe.

What are the dangers associated with /s/falling+through+the+ice?

Falling through the ice can lead to hypothermia, drowning, and other serious injuries due to the extreme cold and potential for being trapped under the ice.