get tripped

USAGE SUMMARY

"get tripped" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something unexpected caused a problem or obstacle to arise. For example, "I was on the right track with my project until I got tripped up by a lack of available resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even they can get tripped up at times.

The New York Times - Arts

"Sometimes, quarterbacks get tripped up in their own feet".

The New York Times - Sports

Some things are not in your control, you get tripped.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't want to get tripped on issues like inadmissibility of evidence".

The New York Times - Science

Often candidates seem to get tripped up by the freedom of motion the format allows.

The New York Times

Don't get tripped up by the nomenclature: the displacement is at odds with the model name.

The New York Times

Given the predictable fury that this fight unleashes, it's confounding how both Hillary and Hilary managed to get tripped up.

The New Yorker

"Drug finders" and innovators may well get tripped up by bureaucracy and tangled in red tape; good ideas are lost.

The Economist

If you get tripped up, you can tap a blank space to momentarily reveal the missing word.

The New Yorker

PAMELA GELLER No. ANNE BARNARD O.K., I just wanted to make sure we didn't get tripped up in grammar.

The New York Times

And yes, I sometimes still get tripped up about whether to refer to my dad as "he" or "she".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get tripped" to indicate a sudden, unexpected mistake or problem, especially when someone is close to success or making progress.

Common error

Avoid using "get tripped" solely for physical tripping. Reserve it for situations where a mistake or obstacle unexpectedly hinders progress or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get tripped" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used in the passive voice, to indicate that someone or something has been hindered or caused to make a mistake. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get tripped" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe being unexpectedly hindered or making a mistake. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure proper usage, avoid limiting its meaning to physical tripping and instead, emphasize its metaphorical application to unexpected problems. Remember to consider synonyms like "stumble upon difficulties" or "be thrown off course" for a more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be tripped up

A passive construction that focuses the problem affecting the subject.

be thrown off course

Implies a deviation from an intended path or plan due to unforeseen circumstances.

get derailed

Similar to "be thrown off course" but suggests a more significant disruption and potential failure.

stumble upon difficulties

Emphasizes the element of chance and unexpectedness in encountering problems.

get snagged

Conveys the idea of being caught or hindered by something, often unexpectedly.

run into problems

A more general term for encountering difficulties, which might not be as sudden or unexpected.

encounter obstacles

Focuses on the general experience of facing difficulties, without necessarily implying a sudden or unexpected event.

face setbacks

Highlights the negative impact and regression caused by an unexpected event.

fall foul of

Indicates that a person or entity clashes with something or someone, leading to conflict or trouble.

be confounded by

Refers specifically to mental confusion or being puzzled by something, rather than a physical obstruction.

FAQs

How to use "get tripped" in a sentence?

You can use "get tripped" to describe being unexpectedly hindered or making a mistake. For example, "Many students "get tripped" up by the complex grammar rules".

What can I say instead of "get tripped"?

You can use alternatives like "stumble upon difficulties", "be thrown off course", or "run into problems" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "getting tripped"?

Yes, "getting tripped" is grammatically correct and can be used in continuous tenses. For example, "He was "getting tripped" up by the jargon in the contract".

What's the difference between "get tripped" and "be tripped up"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "get tripped" often implies a more active or sudden occurrence, while "be tripped up" can suggest a more passive state or condition. For example, "He "got tripped" by the new rule" versus "He was "was tripped up" by the fine print".