toppling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "toppling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of causing something to fall or overturn, often used in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The sudden scandal led to the toppling of the long-standing regime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Harris, Australia's leading wicket-taker in England, said consistency was key to toppling England's big hitters at home, naming Ian Bell as the biggest threat.

The Guardian - Sport

So, three years almost to the day since toppling him, despite everything that went wrong the last time, Rudd has been restored – for the sake of the party.

The Guardian

Sisi, who rose to popularity after toppling Morsi last July, is still expected to win by a landslide.

The Guardian

It has seen just 36 years of their not toppling clerics and not stopping them going nuclear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Naoto Kan, the colourless but generally harmless prime minister, escaped an opposition no-confidence motion aimed at toppling his government – but only after making a vague offer to step down once the crisis abates.

The Economist

The drop in numbers is sobering for a movement that dreams of toppling the president with massive shows of street support.

The Economist

And America does not have much choice, he added, because autocrats are toppling whether we like it or not (I paraphrase).

The Economist

The possibility of a one-tonne robot becoming unbalanced and toppling on a patient does not bear thinking about.

The Economist

As the years pass by, their interest in returning, let alone toppling Laos's government, is dimming.

The Economist

Being credited in any way with toppling George Bush would be a propaganda coup; but Mr Bush, by increasing American unpopularity in the Arab world, has also deepened the pool of potential recruits and speeded up what al-Qaeda sees as a desirable confrontation between America and Muslims.Moreover, the electoral consequences of a terrorist attack would be unpredictable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The secular opposition, angered by two assassinations in its ranks and emboldened by the army-backed toppling of Egypt's Islamist president, is trying to topple Tunisia's Islamist-led government and dissolve the Constituent Assembly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "toppling" to describe the act of causing something to fall or lose power, especially in political or abstract contexts. For instance, "The scandal led to the "toppling" of the government."

Common error

Avoid using "toppling" when a simpler word like "falling" or "tipping" would be more appropriate for describing physical objects. "Toppling" often carries a connotation of significance or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "toppling" is as a gerund or present participle, often used to describe an ongoing action of something falling or being overthrown. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "toppling" functions as a gerund or present participle, commonly used to describe the act of something falling or being overthrown. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and frequent, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, "toppling" is most effective when conveying a sense of significance or consequence, as noted by the examples provided. When considering related phrases, options such as "overthrowing" or "dismantling" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Remember to reserve it for events of notable impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overthrowing

Similar action that implies the removal of someone or something from power or a stable position, often more forceful.

ousting

Implies removing someone from a position of power, often through political means.

dethroning

Specifically refers to removing a monarch from the throne, a more specific form of "toppling".

unseating

Refers to removing someone from a seat or position, often in a political or competitive context.

overturning

Suggests reversing a decision or situation, which can metaphorically "topple" existing norms.

destabilizing

Focuses on the act of making something unstable, leading to a potential "toppling".

subverting

Implies undermining the power or authority of an established system or institution.

dismantling

Involves taking something apart piece by piece, leading to its eventual "toppling".

collapsing

Suggests a sudden failure or loss of power, often unexpectedly.

tumbling

Emphasizes the chaotic and uncontrolled nature of falling or overturning.

FAQs

How is "toppling" used in a sentence?

The word "toppling" is often used to describe the act of something falling over, or the overthrow of a government or leader. For example: "The earthquake resulted in the "toppling" of several buildings." Or, "The revolution led to the "toppling" of the dictator."

What are some synonyms for "toppling"?

Synonyms for "toppling" include "overthrowing", "ousting", "overturning", and "dismantling". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "toppling" to describe a small object falling?

While grammatically correct, using "toppling" for a small object might sound overly dramatic. Consider using a more appropriate word like "falling" or "tipping" in such cases.

What is the difference between "toppling" and "overthrowing"?

"Toppling" can refer to both physical and metaphorical falls, whereas "overthrowing" typically implies a forceful removal of power, particularly in political contexts.