stumbles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stumbles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that trips or falls, either literally or metaphorically, often indicating a mistake or error in action or speech. Example: "During the presentation, he stumbles over his words, making it difficult for the audience to follow his points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Economy

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Viggo stumbles and sweats through the unforgiving landscape and a series of surreal encounters.

The Guardian - Film

Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood's biggest stars, plays PK's eponymous lead, an alien who gets left behind by his spaceship in the Rajasthan desert and stumbles on to the hypocrisy and deceit in organised religion.

The Guardian - Film

His mishandling of questions about whether or not to release his tax returns, among other stumbles, caused Romney to spend much of the last week on the defensive.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the other hand, if the core of a youthful, swashbuckling new side emerge over the course of the summer and the new management team set a course for a more enlightened era in which the ECB is able to look over the next hill rather than down at its feet as it stumbles from crisis to crisis, then they might yet be able to arrest the malaise.

The Guardian - Sport

Minutes later a young man stumbles through the gates and blearily asks where the entrance to A&E is.

The Guardian

Eventually, Stephen stumbles and falls in a quad – and is diagnosed with a form of motor neurone disease.

The Guardian - Film

Now Paddy McGuinness has been signed up to play Weatherfield's answer to Bear Grylls, who stumbles across the Tinkers and the Dobbs on a camping holiday: you can almost smell the one-liners brewing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After a plane crash, a man stumbles through a landscape of endless snow, carrying a chair on which he periodically sits, only to find himself rapidly buried by falling snow; then he gets up to repeat these actions over and over.

The Guardian - Books

The stumbles – however early, and however much they continue to send down her approval ratings – raise new questions about a candidate who has already lost one presidential campaign in which she was thought to be the candidate of inevitability.

The Guardian

Fancy international organizations have been persistently offering disastrous advice, counseling austerity and interest rate hikes just as the recovery, such as it is, stumbles.

The New York Times

He stumbles out of bed.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stumbles" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the "stumble" occurs, such as a career, relationship, or project.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overusing "stumbles" as it can sound less professional. Opt for more precise synonyms like "falters", "encounters setbacks", or "faces challenges" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "stumbles" functions primarily as a verb, typically in the third-person singular present tense, to describe the act of tripping or losing balance, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Film

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "stumbles" is a versatile verb used to describe both physical missteps and metaphorical setbacks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news and media, often depicting challenges faced by individuals, organizations, or economies. While grammatically sound and frequently used, writers should consider the context and register. In formal settings, alternatives such as "falters" or "encounters setbacks" may be more appropriate. Remember to clearly define what is "stumbling" to avoid ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trips

Focuses on the physical act of losing balance.

falters

Implies a hesitation or wavering, often in speech or action, rather than a physical trip.

lurches

Suggests a sudden, unsteady movement.

staggers

Implies a loss of balance, often due to weakness or intoxication.

misses steps

Highlights a mistake in a planned sequence, not necessarily a physical stumble.

bumbles

Describes clumsy or awkward movements or actions.

slips up

Focuses on making a mistake or error, rather than a physical fall.

errs

Emphasizes making a mistake in judgment or decision-making.

blunders

Indicates a serious mistake or foolish act.

makes missteps

Highlights making errors in strategy or planning.

FAQs

How can I use "stumbles" in a sentence?

You can use "stumbles" to describe someone physically losing their balance, as in "He "stumbles through the gates"". It can also be used metaphorically to describe making mistakes or facing difficulties, such as "The company "stumbles during the transition"".

What are some synonyms for "stumbles"?

Some synonyms for "stumbles" include "falters", "trips", "lurches", or "staggers". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "stumbles" to describe a process or system?

Yes, "stumbles" can be used to describe a process or system that is not functioning smoothly or encounters problems. For instance, "The project "stumbles due to lack of funding"" is a correct usage.

What's the difference between "stumbles" and "fails"?

"Stumbles" implies a temporary loss of balance or progress, while "fails" suggests a complete lack of success. A project that "stumbles" may recover, while one that "fails" does not.