topple over

USAGE SUMMARY

"topple over" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to fall or collapse, usually in an unsteady or uncontrolled manner. It can be used in a variety of contexts, both literal and figurative. Here are a few examples: 1. The large stack of books began to wobble and finally toppled over, scattering pages and bookmarks all over the floor. 2. The protesters were trying to topple over the statue of the controversial leader, but were stopped by security. 3. My friend's tower of blocks toppled over when her cat jumped onto the table. 4. The company's financial stability was threatened when their CEO unexpectedly toppled over from a heart attack. 5. The king's reign came to an abrupt end when he was toppled over in a coup led by his own army.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The stripped-down language of headlines can easily topple over into gibberish.

Independent

I topple over and fall on to the floor with a smile.

The Guardian - Travel

Well, now I'm in my 50s, and I topple over sometimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Would it have killed him to include a scene where she trips over and bumps into someone, causing them to topple over, hitting someone else, and they topple over, and so on?

The Guardian

The three year-old gripped me tight, presumably fearful that the thing would just topple over onto us.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bumbaco testified that he saw Mr. Christofi kneeling and then topple over, gasping for breath, after he was shot.

The New York Times

As the movement gets wilder, and the boxes begin to topple over, Ms. Meier's performance arena seems utterly chaotic, but there is a structure to her madness.

The New York Times - Arts

The first domino to nearly topple over in the financial crisis was Bear Stearns, an investment bank that had nothing to do with commercial banking.

The New York Times

The company could topple over with the weight of unwanted junk.

TechCrunch

"I'd take a picture but then I'd start laughing and it'd topple over," he said.

Huffington Post

We need to design products that go into bedrooms and homes that don't topple over, products that are safe".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "topple over" in your writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause and consequence of the fall. For example, specify what caused the object to lose balance or what resulted from the fall.

Common error

Avoid using "topple over" in abstract contexts where the image of something physically falling doesn't logically fit. For instance, don't say "the theory toppled over" if you mean it was disproven – use a more appropriate verb like "discredited" or "refuted".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "topple over" is a phrasal verb, acting as a verb and adverb combination to describe the act of something losing balance and falling. As illustrated by Ludwig, this is shown in real sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

The Guardian - Sport

2%

Huffington Post

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Topple over" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of something losing balance and falling. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across diverse contexts, ranging from describing physical objects falling to metaphorical collapses. It's important to use "topple over" in situations where the image of something losing balance and falling is appropriate. Related phrases, like "fall over" or "collapse", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, but "topple over" specifically implies a loss of balance leading to a fall. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is most frequently found in news, media, and general writing, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall over

This alternative is a more general term for losing balance and falling, lacking the implication of a complete collapse.

tip over

This alternative suggests a tilting and falling due to imbalance, often used for containers or objects with a narrow base.

collapse

This alternative suggests a sudden and complete failure or breakdown, applicable to both physical structures and abstract systems.

lose balance

This alternative focuses on the act of losing stability, rather than the resulting fall.

tumble

This alternative implies a rolling or uncontrolled fall, often suggesting a less serious outcome.

overturn

This alternative specifically indicates a turning over or upsetting of something, often implying a deliberate action or external force.

keel over

This alternative, originating from nautical contexts, suggests a sudden and dramatic falling or capsizing.

give way

This alternative describes a yielding or collapsing under pressure, often implying a structural weakness or overwhelming force.

bite the dust

This alternative is an idiomatic expression for falling or failing, often used in a humorous or metaphorical sense.

be overthrown

This alternative specifically refers to the act of being forcibly removed from power or authority.

FAQs

How can I use "topple over" in a sentence?

You can use "topple over" to describe something losing balance and falling, for example: "The stack of books began to wobble and eventually "toppled over"."

What can I say instead of "topple over"?

You can use alternatives like "fall over", "collapse", or "tip over" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "topple over" or "fall down"?

"Topple over" and "fall down" are both correct, but "topple over" suggests a loss of balance leading to a fall, whereas "fall down" is a more general term for falling.

What's the difference between "topple over" and "overthrow"?

"Topple over" generally refers to a physical fall due to imbalance or instability. "Overthrow", on the other hand, usually means to remove someone or something from power, especially a government or leader.