got tripped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got tripped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone stumbled or fell due to an obstacle or someone else's action. Example: "While running in the park, I got tripped by a loose branch and fell to the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

'It's unfortunate that it got tripped up the first time".

The New York Times

Kids got tripped up by silent letters and double letters.

The New Yorker

This week I got tripped up in the ice cream department.

Harvard University

Domenik Hixon, a wide receiver, got tripped up in the new turf, took a spill, and hurt his right knee.

The New Yorker

But the president did not say "terrorism"— and Romney got tripped up when he repeated the "act of terror" phrasing.

The Washington Post

But over time, loved ones, close friends — and I — got tripped up by episodes of ill health, some from the far end of the statistical-probability universe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Have you ever gotten tripped up by a lien?

The New York Times

But even they can get tripped up at times.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Barak gets tripped up by immature and murky dramaturgy.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify what caused the person or plan to get tripped such as "He got tripped by the curb".

Common error

Avoid using "got tripped" when a more precise passive construction would be clearer, such as "was tripped by" when specifying the agent causing the stumble.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got tripped" functions as a verb phrase, typically describing an action where someone stumbles or is caused to lose their balance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across diverse contexts. It can be used literally or metaphorically to indicate an obstruction or setback.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got tripped" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe stumbling or being obstructed. As Ludwig's AI analysis confirms, it is frequently used in news and media, and can also be found in academic contexts. While "got tripped" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "stumbled" or "encountered a setback" depending on the context. Remember to specify the agent causing the stumble for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stumbled

This term directly replaces the physical act of tripping, focusing on the loss of balance.

was tripped

This is a passive voice alternative, emphasizing the action done to the subject.

fell

This suggests a complete loss of balance resulting from the trip.

lost balance

This is a more descriptive alternative highlighting the state of imbalance.

met with failure

This alternative refers to failing in some goal or plan, rather than a physical trip.

encountered a setback

Suggests a delay or problem in progressing towards a goal.

was thwarted

This implies that someone or something actively prevented progress.

ran into difficulty

Focuses on the problem or challenge encountered.

made an error

This alternative highlights making a mistake or misjudgment.

blundered

This indicates a clumsy or careless mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "got tripped" in a sentence?

You can use "got tripped" to describe a literal stumble, as in "I "got tripped" on the stairs". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The project "got tripped" up by bureaucratic delays".

What is a formal alternative to "got tripped"?

For more formal contexts, consider using "stumbled", "was thwarted", or "encountered a setback" instead of "got tripped".

What's the difference between "got tripped" and "was tripped"?

"Got tripped" emphasizes the process of tripping, whereas "was tripped" typically focuses on the action performed by an external cause. They are often interchangeable but can subtly shift the emphasis.

Can "got tripped" be used in business writing?

While "got tripped" is understandable, it might be too informal for some business contexts. Consider alternatives like "encountered an obstacle" or "faced a delay" for a more professional tone.