tumble across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tumble across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of discovering or encountering something unexpectedly or by chance. Example: "While hiking in the woods, I tumbled across an old, abandoned cabin that piqued my curiosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Reflected images gleam and tumble across the mirrored walls.

The New York Times - Arts

Banalities tumble across these pages, but there are also thoughtful and significant meditations about modern politics.

The Guardian

Calligraphic figures, blue against white, tumble across the wall like swallows in a wind.

The New York Times - Arts

Forecasters also warned that rain could saturate the ground and that trees could tumble across roads or onto power lines.

The New York Times

Megafaun's C.S.N.Y.-style harmonies gently tumble across lilting country-rock tunes that sometimes veer into experimental jam-session territory.

The New Yorker

Enthusiastic locals applaud when any pins are knocked over, no matter if they tumble across the foul line during the approach.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

After the Thai baht was devalued in July 1997, stockmarkets and currencies tumbled across Asia.

The Economist

" He nudged one of the cherubs in the ribs, sending him tumbling across the sky.

The New Yorker

_" He nudged one of the cherubs in the ribs, sending him tumbling across the sky.

The New Yorker

Stocks tumbled across the board, with technology stocks hit the hardest.

The New York Times

A great Tumblr post is reblogged again and again; it tumbles across continents and generations.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "tumble across" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly conveys the unexpected or accidental nature of the encounter. The phrase works best when there's an element of surprise or chance involved.

Common error

Avoid using "tumble across" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise or deliberate term would be more appropriate. In these settings, phrases like "encounter", "discover", or "find" may convey a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tumble across" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action. It combines the verb "tumble", suggesting a rolling or unsteady movement, with the preposition "across", indicating direction or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tumble across" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe physical tumbling or unexpected encounters. While grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's best to avoid it in very formal contexts where more precise language is preferred. When describing physical movement or serendipitous discovery, "tumble across" can add a vivid and descriptive touch to your writing. Alternatives like "stumble upon" or "come across" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Come across

Indicates finding something unexpectedly, without necessarily involving physical tumbling.

Tumble into

Suggests falling or rolling into something.

Stumble upon

Implies an accidental discovery or encounter, often suggesting surprise.

Stumble into

Similar to 'stumble upon', but can also imply entering a situation unintentionally.

Fall over

Focuses on the act of losing balance and falling, which can be part of tumbling.

Trip and fall

Highlights the action of tripping as the cause of falling, emphasizing the loss of footing.

Lurch across

Implies a sudden, uncontrolled movement forward, often due to imbalance.

Stagger through

Suggests moving unsteadily or with difficulty, perhaps involving a stumble.

Plunge into

Suggests a rapid, forceful descent or entry into something, possibly involving a tumble.

Crash through

Implies forceful breaking or passing through something, possibly with a tumbling motion.

FAQs

How can I use "tumble across" in a sentence?

You can use "tumble across" to describe a physical fall, like "The child tumbled across the playground", or to describe an unexpected discovery, such as "I tumbled across an interesting article while researching."

What does "tumble across" mean?

The phrase "tumble across" can mean to physically fall and roll, or to encounter something unexpectedly. It often implies an element of chance or accident.

What are some alternatives to "tumble across" when describing an unexpected discovery?

Alternatives include "stumble upon", "come across", or "encounter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "tumble across" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tumble across" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral or precise alternatives like "discover" or "find" in professional or academic writing.