trip up

USAGE SUMMARY

"trip up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean "to cause someone to stumble, make a mistake, or fail". For example, "The tricky question tripped up the contestant and cost them the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tells about the trip up.

The New Yorker

Did you trip up anywhere?

The New York Times

You're bound to trip up somewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

Will these forces trip up Javier Sanchez?

The New York Times

Even body musculature can trip up triathletes.

The New York Times - Health

It will be easy to trip up.

The New York Times

Describes the windows, themed 'Train Trip up the Hudson".

The New Yorker

A trip up a tree was just what I needed.

The New York Times - Travel

(Evidently, simple addition can sometimes trip up even a mathematician).

The New Yorker

But it threatens to trip up the left.

The New York Times

It's all right to trip up on a tough question.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trip up" when you want to convey the idea of making a mistake or causing someone to stumble, either literally or figuratively. Consider the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "trip up" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "err", "miscalculate", or "make an error" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "trip up" functions primarily as a verb, indicating an action of causing someone to stumble, make a mistake, or fail. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, aligning with examples found in reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trip up" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies making a mistake, causing someone to stumble, or catching someone in an error. It's considered grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While primarily found in news, academic, and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning aligns with either a physical stumble or a figurative mistake. Avoid it in highly formal contexts where more precise terms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slip up

Highlights a small, often unintentional error.

make a mistake

Focuses on the error aspect, omitting the physical stumble meaning.

commit an error

Emphasizes the act of committing a mistake, less about causing to stumble.

stumble

Implies a physical misstep, not necessarily a mistake.

be mistaken

Highlights the state of being wrong, not the action of making a mistake.

falter

Implies a hesitation or loss of momentum, leading to a potential mistake.

err

A more formal way of saying 'make a mistake'.

miscalculate

Specifically refers to errors in calculation or judgment.

fall

Focuses on the physical act of falling, less about the cause.

founder

Suggests a more significant failure or collapse.

FAQs

What does "trip up" mean?

The phrase "trip up" typically means to make a mistake or cause someone to stumble, either physically or figuratively. It can also refer to catching someone in an error or inconsistency.

How can I use "trip up" in a sentence?

You can use "trip up" in a sentence like, "The tricky question tripped up many contestants" or "Be careful not to trip up on the uneven pavement."

What can I say instead of "trip up"?

You can use alternatives like "slip up", "make a mistake", or "stumble" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "trip up" and "stumble"?

"Stumble" generally refers to a physical loss of balance, while "trip up" can refer to both a physical stumble and making a mistake. "Trip up" often implies an external cause for the stumble or error.