stumble severely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stumble severely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious mistake or failure in a particular context, such as in performance or decision-making. Example: "During the presentation, he stumbled severely when asked about the project's budget, leaving the audience confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Mets led the National League East that day, but their 6-12 record this month has dropped them four games behind the Atlanta Braves after tonight's 6-3 victory, and, for the third straight season, raised questions about why the Mets stumble so severely in September with so much at stake.

The New York Times - Sports

Andy Pettitte cannot detail why the Yankees have stumbled so severely.

The New York Times

One of these sisters, ordinarily an elegant and self-possessed woman, had gotten the giggles so severely while stumbling back from the bar that she had executed a kindergarten-style collapse-and-pee on the sidewalk.

The New York Times

When companies stumble these days, by missing Wall Street's earnings estimates or in some other way, investors rush for the exits, severely punishing their stocks.

The New York Times

You stumble.

The New Yorker

Apple will eventually stumble.

The New Yorker

Emerging markets may stumble.

The Economist

Possums stumble.

The New York Times - Books

She did not stumble.

The New York Times

But even giants stumble.

The New Yorker

But we did stumble.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stumble severely" to emphasize a significant misstep or failure that has noticeable consequences. It's best suited for formal writing or when the intensity of the error needs to be highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "stumble severely" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly dramatic or stilted in contexts where a lighter tone is more appropriate. Consider using simpler alternatives like "mess up" or "slip up" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stumble severely" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed to a significant degree. It describes the manner in which someone or something fails or makes a mistake. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as well as provides examples of the usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stumble severely" is a correct and usable phrase that emphasizes a significant mistake or failure. Though relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting that it conveys a more intense degree of failure. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure it aligns with the desired tone. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. While grammatically sound, overuse or misapplication can lead to overly dramatic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stumble badly

Similar to the original phrase, but without the intensity of "severely".

err significantly

Emphasizes the magnitude of the error made, focusing on the deviation from correctness.

falter significantly

Suggests a loss of momentum or stability, indicating a marked decline in performance.

fail badly

Focuses on the outcome of the action, highlighting the unsuccessful result.

make a serious blunder

Highlights a significant mistake, suggesting a lack of care or attention.

slip up badly

Emphasizes a lapse in judgment or performance, suggesting a deviation from expected standards.

mess up terribly

Informal and emphasizes the negative consequences of a mistake.

perform poorly

Focuses on the quality of performance, highlighting the inadequacy or deficiency of the execution.

decline sharply

Emphasizes a rapid and significant decrease in quality or performance.

fall flat

Suggests a complete lack of success or impact, indicating a disappointing outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "stumble severely" in a sentence?

You can use "stumble severely" to describe a situation where someone or something experiences a significant setback or makes a substantial error. For example: "The company stumbled severely after the product recall".

What are some alternatives to "stumble severely"?

Alternatives include "fail badly", "err significantly", or "falter significantly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "stumble severely" or "stumble badly"?

"Stumble severely" emphasizes a more intense degree of failure or error than "stumble badly". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the misstep.

What does "stumble severely" imply about the subject?

It implies that the subject experienced a significant and impactful setback, likely due to internal weaknesses or external pressures. The severity suggests that the consequences are considerable.