to stumble over something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to stumble over something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to encountering a problem or difficulty, either literally or figuratively. Example: "During the presentation, I stumbled over my words when trying to explain the complex concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I used to stumble over chord changes.

The New York Times

True to form, she starts to stumble over her words.

The Guardian - Film

Ahlam was terrified, and began to stumble over her words and to cry.

The New York Times

If we were [to go through], we were going to stumble over the line.

Independent

Now the BJP has seemed to stumble over alliances with controversial local figures.

The Economist

He chooses his words with care and works hard not to stumble over them.

The New York Times - Books

"If we were going to do it we were going to stumble over the line".

BBC

Try not to stumble over your words and sound stupid.

WikiHow

Slowing down will also make you less likely to stumble over your words or misspeak.

WikiHow

Don't worry about seeming to stumble over your words or sounding clumsy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "to stumble over something" when you want to convey a sense of unexpected difficulty or error, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "He stumbled over his words during the presentation" illustrates a verbal mishap, while "She stumbled over a root on the hiking trail" describes a physical stumble.

Common error

While "to stumble over something" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "encounter difficulties", "struggle with", or "falter on" to maintain reader engagement and add nuance to your expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to stumble over something" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of either physically tripping or encountering a problem or difficulty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes experiencing an unexpected obstacle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to stumble over something" is a versatile phrase used to describe both physical missteps and metaphorical difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news and media, as well as in wiki content. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse and consider using synonyms like "to encounter difficulties with something" or "to struggle with something" for variety. The phrase serves to communicate unexpected obstacles and is generally appropriate for neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To encounter difficulties with something

Replaces "stumble over" with "encounter difficulties", focusing on the problematic aspect.

To struggle with something

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved, rather than a sudden error.

To have trouble with something

A more general way of indicating difficulty or a problem.

To falter on something

Suggests a brief hesitation or mistake, similar to stumbling.

To trip up on something

A more literal take on "stumble", suggesting a physical misstep or a mistake.

To make mistakes in something

Focuses on the errors made rather than the act of stumbling.

To blunder through something

Implies a series of clumsy mistakes while progressing through something.

To get bogged down in something

Suggests being slowed down or stuck due to complexities or difficulties.

To face obstacles with something

Highlights the barriers or impediments encountered.

To get tripped up by something

Similar to "trip up on", but emphasizes the external cause of the mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "to stumble over something" in a sentence?

You can use "to stumble over something" to describe a literal trip or a figurative difficulty. For example, "He stumbled over a rock" (literal) or "She stumbled over the explanation" (figurative).

What does it mean to "stumble over something"?

To "stumble over something" means to trip or nearly fall, or to encounter a problem or difficulty while trying to do or say something.

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

You can use alternatives like "to encounter difficulties with something", "to struggle with something", or "to falter on something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "stumble on" or "stumble over" something?

"Stumble on" and "stumble over" have slightly different meanings. "Stumble on" typically means to find something unexpectedly, while "stumble over" means to trip or encounter a difficulty. For example, you might "stumble on" a solution, but "stumble over" a problem.