stumble over something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stumble over something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone encounters a problem or difficulty, often unexpectedly. Example: "During the presentation, I stumbled over my words when trying to explain the complex concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Slippers still on the wrong feet, I move awkwardly, but purposefully, to the bedroom closet until I stumble over something on the floor.

Yale University

Thus we are forced to stumble over something that we naturally do every day, and take for granted, in the West.

The New Yorker

Let them stumble over something, walk on a wall or climb over a fence – it builds all those motor skills that are really important". Dr Calder has developed a programme to counter the effect she believes mobiles are having – she calls it "eye-gym".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Don't stumble over giving constructive feedback or criticism.

WikiHow

You may mispronounce something or stumble over some words, but do not let that bother you.

WikiHow

She also addresses enforcement mechanisms, something most other approaches stumble over, calling for mandatory domestic prosecution and civil remedies for PCMF misconduct by prosecuting states.

Huffington Post

If you stumble over your words a little or say something that's not very funny, your viewers will relate to you even more because they'll see you as human.

WikiHow

Irritated office-workers stumble over flower boxes.

The Economist

Memorize the ones you stumble over.

The New York Times

They'd stumble over it.

The Guardian - Arts

I stumble over my words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stumble over something" to describe unexpected difficulties, be they physical or metaphorical. It adds a sense of surprise and slight clumsiness to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "stumble over something" when describing intentional actions. The phrase implies an accidental encounter or difficulty, not a planned or deliberate maneuver.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stumble over something" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing an action of nearly falling due to an obstruction or encountering an unexpected difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used both literally and metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stumble over something" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes encountering an unexpected difficulty or physical obstacle. While not overly common, with only a few examples available in Ludwig, it is versatile enough for use in various contexts, primarily in news media, academia, and general writing. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase functions effectively to convey the sense of surprise or unexpectedness associated with the event. Related alternatives include "trip over something" and "encounter an obstacle". Remember to use it to describe accidental events, not deliberate actions, for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Trip over something

Focuses more on the physical act of losing balance due to an object.

Stumble upon something

Emphasizes a chance discovery rather than an obstacle.

Encounter an obstacle

More formal and abstract, referring to any kind of impediment.

Run into something

Implies a collision or unexpected meeting with something.

Face a difficulty

Highlights the challenging aspect of the situation.

Meet with a problem

Similar to facing a difficulty, but slightly more formal.

Come across a hurdle

Uses 'hurdle' as a metaphor for an obstacle to overcome.

Be challenged by something

Focuses on the feeling of being tested or pushed by a situation.

Find oneself in a predicament

Suggests a difficult or unpleasant situation.

Experience a setback

Emphasizes the negative impact of encountering the obstacle.

FAQs

What does it mean to "stumble over something"?

To "stumble over something" generally means to trip or nearly fall due to an obstruction, or to encounter a problem or difficulty unexpectedly.

What can I say instead of "stumble over something"?

Alternatives include "trip over something" for physical obstructions, or "encounter an obstacle" for more abstract difficulties.

Is it correct to say someone "stumbled over" an idea?

While primarily literal, "stumble over" can be used metaphorically. For example, one might "stumble upon something", meaning they discovered it unexpectedly. However, use caution to ensure the meaning is clear.

Can "stumble over something" be used in a business context?

Yes, it can. You might say a company "ran into something" unexpected during negotiations. However, consider the formality of your audience.