toppled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toppled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been overthrown or defeated, often in a political or competitive context. Example: "The dictator was ultimately toppled by a coalition of rebel forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assad was toppled by an armed uprising?

The New Yorker

He was toppled by militants in 1979.

The New York Times

Ted Heath was toppled by Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Opinion

Residents said they had been toppled by settlers.

The New York Times

One military regime was toppled by the next.

The New York Times - Magazine

8 He was toppled by a "democratic revolution" in 2000.

The Guardian - Opinion

A mountain bluebird toppled by in a tumult of azurine.

The New York Times - Books

So did the statue, toppled by a government-incited crowd.

The New York Times

Precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) are naturally occurring geological features that could be easily toppled by strong earthquake shaking.

Earthquake Hazard, Risk and Disasters

After five straight national titles, the Wildcats were toppled by Maryland two years ago.

The New York Times

One has seen grand theories rise, only to be toppled by stubborn facts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "toppled by", ensure the context clearly indicates the force or entity responsible for the overthrow or defeat. For instance, specify whether it was "toppled by a revolution", "toppled by economic crisis", or "toppled by a rival faction".

Common error

Avoid using "toppled by" in situations where the overthrow is not significant or impactful. For example, saying "the sales were toppled by a marketing campaign" is less effective than saying "the sales were boosted by a marketing campaign".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "toppled by" is to act as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has been overthrown or defeated by the agent specified after "by". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "toppled by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the act of being overthrown or defeated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, historical accounts, and general discussions. While alternatives like "overthrown by" or "deposed by" exist, "toppled by" offers a slightly different nuance, often implying a sudden or unexpected fall. When writing, it's essential to clearly indicate the agent responsible for the toppling and avoid overuse in trivial contexts. Remember that this phrase's widespread usage is evident across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overthrown by

Focuses specifically on the removal of a government or leader from power.

deposed by

Similar to overthrown, often implies a more formal or legal process of removal.

defeated by

Emphasizes the act of being beaten or overcome in a competition or conflict.

ousted by

Suggests being forced out of a position or place, often unexpectedly.

displaced by

Highlights the act of being moved or replaced, often in a more general sense.

supplanted by

Implies being replaced by something newer or more advanced.

overwhelmed by

Suggests being overcome by a large force or quantity.

subverted by

Implies being undermined or corrupted from within.

undermined by

Highlights a gradual weakening or erosion of power or authority.

unseated by

Similar to ousted, but often used in the context of losing an election or formal position.

FAQs

How can I use "toppled by" in a sentence?

You can use "toppled by" to describe situations where something or someone has been overthrown or defeated. For example, "The government was "overthrown by" a military coup" or "The champion was "defeated by" a younger opponent".

What are some alternatives to "toppled by"?

Alternatives include "overthrown by", "deposed by", "defeated by", "ousted by", or "displaced by". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "toppled by" formal or informal?

"Toppled by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "deposed by" might be preferred in certain situations.

What is the difference between "toppled by" and "overthrown by"?

While similar, "toppled by" can sometimes imply a more sudden or unexpected fall, while "overthrown by" often suggests a more deliberate and forceful action. However, in many contexts, they are largely interchangeable.