stumble with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'stumble with' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone who is having difficulty dealing with something or when they are having difficulty proceeding with something. Example: She stumbled with the new job process, not understanding the instructions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Tuesday, however, Apple seemed to stumble with its theatrics.

The New Yorker

Yet the bank has continued to stumble, with investment-banking revenues proving a disappointment.

The Economist

Then they stumble, with boisterous good humor, over the basics of Mandarin grammar.

The New York Times

Both sorts flirt with seriousness the way junkies stumble with the truth.

The Guardian - Music

In the following days, Kai entertained its guests royally while continuing to stumble with more design and production details.

The New Yorker

JUST as native English-speakers stumble with Japanese, the Japanese struggle mightily with English, not to mention Korean or Chinese.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

At times he stumbled with his words.

The Guardian - Sport

But I'm constantly stumbling with this stuff.

The New York Times - Arts

Both Ford and G.M. have stumbled with their introductions.

The New York Times

It makes for easy pickings for the dogs as it stumbles with exhaustion.

Independent

Sure, Mr. Perry stumbled with his answers a few times, they will concede.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stumble with" when you want to convey a sense of difficulty or lack of expertise in handling a specific task or situation. It implies a lack of grace or proficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "stumble with" to describe a literal physical trip or fall. While "stumble" alone can refer to a physical misstep, "stumble with" typically describes difficulty in a more abstract sense. For physical missteps, use "stumble", "trip", or "fall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stumble with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate difficulty or a lack of proficiency in handling a task or situation. As Ludwig AI says, it describes having difficulty dealing with something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stumble with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies difficulty or a lack of proficiency in handling a task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While similar to phrases like "struggle with" and "have difficulty with", it carries a specific nuance of clumsiness or lack of expertise. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and is suitable for neutral to formal communication. Avoid using it to describe literal physical stumbles, and instead, use it to convey challenges in a more abstract sense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggle with

Focuses more directly on the effort and difficulty involved.

have difficulty with

Highlights the presence of problems or challenges.

encounter problems with

Emphasizes the experience of running into obstacles.

falter with

Suggests a hesitation or loss of momentum.

have trouble with

Similar to 'have difficulty', but slightly more informal.

grapple with

Implies a more intense and prolonged struggle.

contend with

Highlights the act of dealing with something challenging.

be challenged by

Focuses on the stimulating or demanding nature of the situation.

fall short with

Highlights the aspect of failing to meet the expected standard.

make errors with

Directly indicates making mistakes or inaccuracies.

FAQs

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

You can use "stumble with" to describe a situation where someone is having difficulty or making errors while dealing with something. For example: "The company began to stumble with the new software implementation."

What are some alternatives to "stumble with"?

You can use alternatives like "struggle with", "have difficulty with", or "falter with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "stumble with" or "struggle with"?

Both "stumble with" and "struggle with" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Stumble with" implies a lack of grace or expertise, while "struggle with" suggests a more determined effort against difficulty.

What does it mean to "stumble with" something?

To "stumble with" something means to proceed or deal with it in a clumsy or faltering way, often making mistakes or facing difficulties. It suggests a lack of skill or confidence.