he stumbled

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "He stumbled" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you can use it in a sentence like this: "He stumbled when walking up the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

No wonder he stumbled.

Independent

He stumbled to the bathroom.

The New York Times

He stumbled into computers indirectly.

The Economist

He stumbled on.

The Guardian

He stumbled across HSP60 quite by accident.

The New York Times - Science

He stumbled, fumbled for the third.

The New York Times

Then he stumbled backstage and collapsed.

The New Yorker

But, leaning, he stumbled and lost it.

The New Yorker

Finally, he stumbled upon a cottage.

The New York Times

He stumbled on, grief-stricken.

The New York Times - Magazine

He stumbled at the beginning.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he stumbled" to describe a physical loss of balance or a figurative mistake. Ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.

Common error

Avoid using "he stumbled" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise or sophisticated term might be appropriate, such as "he erred" or "he faltered."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he stumbled" primarily functions as a verb phrase, with "he" acting as the subject and "stumbled" as the main verb in the past tense. This indicates an action performed by the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he stumbled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, predominantly found in news and media contexts. It serves to describe either a physical loss of balance or a figurative mistake. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose more precise alternatives for professional or academic writing. Mastering the nuances of "he stumbled" ensures clear and appropriate communication, and by being aware of common errors, your writing will stand out. Remember to consider the impact and desired tone to get the best results in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he faltered

Emphasizes a brief loss of confidence or hesitation rather than a physical stumble.

he tripped

Specifically refers to losing balance by catching one's foot on something.

he lost his footing

Highlights the loss of stability and balance.

he nearly fell

Focuses on the imminence of a fall, suggesting a near miss.

he made an error

Shifts the meaning to making a mistake, rather than a physical stumble.

he blundered

Implies a clumsy or foolish mistake.

he came across

Indicates an accidental discovery or encounter.

he chanced upon

Similar to 'came across', but slightly more formal.

he found unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprise element of finding something.

he inadvertently discovered

Highlights the unintentional nature of the discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "he stumbled" in a sentence?

You can use "he stumbled" to describe someone losing their balance, such as, "He stumbled on the uneven pavement." Or, you can use it figuratively, for example, "He stumbled during the presentation, forgetting key points."

What's the difference between "he stumbled" and "he fell"?

"He stumbled" implies a momentary loss of balance and potential recovery, while "he fell" indicates a completed loss of balance resulting in hitting the ground. One could "he stumbled", then "he fell".

What can I say instead of "he stumbled" when referring to a mistake?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he erred", "he made a mistake", or "he blundered" to describe a non-physical stumble.

Is "he stumbled" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "he stumbled" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "he faltered" or "he hesitated" in professional or academic settings.