trip on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trip on something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that you have made a mistake or to refer to getting over-excited about something. Example sentence: I tripped on something as I was running to class and ended up getting there late.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Like young people, sometimes older people trip on something, said Dr. Jeff Lesesne, a geriatrics specialist at Emory University.

The New York Times

So I booked a two-month bus trip on something called Club Europa, a tour company for broke young people.

Huffington Post

Please be mindful of where you are walking though so you do not trip on something or fall in a well.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the mutual misunderstanding that plagued both U.S. and European coverage of Obama's trip turned on something more interesting: each continent's relation to irony.

Huffington Post

"The idea of playing the same music for everyone makes absolutely no sense". Instead, she might choose a comforting piece to support someone struggling with a challenging trip, or put on something "chaotic and disassembling" to help break down another client's defenses.

The New York Times - Magazine

The three of us walked up the red-carpetted steps in the theatre foyer when Dad, one step from the top, tripped on something and fell, and started rolling down the steps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I tripped on something and fell to the ground.

The New Yorker

I was walking backwards when I tripped on something and fell.

The New York Times

"I tripped on something on the ice," Lindros said, joking, when asked about his celebration.

The New York Times - Sports

I went over to say hi to him, but I tripped on something and he looked at me like I was crazy.

The New York Times

When I asked about the family "spat," Sam said that he had woken at around ten that morning, but did not come downstairs until around eleven-thirty. "I almost tripped on something in the hallway," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trip on something" to mean 'make a mistake', ensure the context clearly indicates this metaphorical meaning to avoid confusion with the literal sense of physically tripping.

Common error

Avoid using "trip on something" repeatedly in formal writing as a synonym for 'making a mistake'. While acceptable, varied vocabulary enhances clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trip on something" functions as an idiomatic expression. It can describe the literal action of stumbling over an object or can be used metaphorically to indicate making a mistake or becoming overly excited about something. Ludwig AI also confirms the validity of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trip on something" is a versatile idiomatic expression that can denote both a physical stumble and a metaphorical misstep or fixation. While grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's essential to consider the context to ensure clarity. Its register ranges from neutral to informal, with its prevalence highest in news, media, and general conversation. When writing, be mindful of overuse and explore synonyms like "stumble over" or "become fixated on" for enhanced precision. As with any idiom, awareness of audience and purpose will guide effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stumble over something

Focuses more on the physical act of losing balance rather than a metaphorical mistake.

fall over something

Emphasizes the result of losing balance, specifically the act of falling.

lose footing on something

Highlights the loss of stability as the primary cause of a fall.

slip on something

Indicates the cause of imbalance is a slippery surface, not necessarily an object.

be mistaken about something

Shifts the meaning to making an error in judgment or understanding, rather than a physical stumble.

make an error regarding something

More formal than "trip on something" when referring to a mistake.

become fixated on something

Moves the meaning to being overly focused or obsessed with something.

obsess over something

Emphasizes the intensity and duration of focus on a particular subject.

get carried away with something

Suggests excessive enthusiasm or excitement about a topic.

be enthusiastic about something

A more general term for expressing excitement.

FAQs

What does "trip on something" mean?

The phrase "trip on something" can have two meanings. Literally, it means to stumble over an object. Figuratively, it can mean to make a mistake or to become overly enthusiastic about something.

Is it correct to say "trip on something"?

Yes, "trip on something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What can I say instead of "trip on something" (meaning stumble)?

If you mean stumble, you could use "stumble over something" or "fall over something".

How do I use "trip on something" in a sentence?

You can use "trip on something" literally, as in "I tripped on something in the dark". Or, you can use it figuratively, as in "He tripped on something during the presentation and misspoke".