tumble down

USAGE SUMMARY

"tumble down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something declining quickly in a chaotic manner, or to refer to something falling down. For example: "The stocks on the market tumbled down in the final hour of trading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Waterfalls tumble down jungle-covered mountainsides.

The New York Times - Travel

Their backward-looking vision should tumble down around them.

Yale University

I think reality is starting to tumble down around him".

The New York Times

"I was going to tumble down all those floors.

The New York Times

With a little persistence, the walls began to tumble down.

The Guardian - Music

Pitches, bungalows and apartments tumble down to the sea.

The Guardian - Travel

Who will tumble down the rabbit hole again.

The Guardian

These then tumble down into this cylinder and come down on a conveyer belt.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Didimus complains of the tumble-down classrooms.

The Guardian

Past every tumble-down castle, a cascade of condominiums.

The New York Times

Squatters light fires among blackened tumble-down, piles of rubble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumble down" to describe a rapid, uncontrolled descent or collapse. This phrase can apply to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even emotional states.

Common error

While "tumble down" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "decline sharply" or "decrease rapidly" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tumble down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes an action involving a downward movement, often implying a lack of control or a chaotic manner. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal (waterfalls, objects) and figurative (markets, rankings) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

10%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "tumble down" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a rapid and often uncontrolled descent or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, travel, and sports contexts. When writing, use "tumble down" to effectively convey a sense of chaotic downward movement, but consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. This analysis provides a thorough understanding of "tumble down", ensuring its appropriate and impactful use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall over

Emphasizes the act of losing balance and falling.

collapse

Suggests a sudden failure or loss of structure.

plummet

Implies a rapid and significant drop.

cascade down

Describes a flowing descent, often of liquids or loose materials.

descend rapidly

Highlights the quick nature of the descent.

decline sharply

Focuses on a significant reduction or decrease.

take a fall

Emphasizes the action of falling, often unexpectedly.

go downhill

Indicates a decline in quality or condition.

slide down

Suggests a smooth, uncontrolled descent.

crash down

Conveys a forceful and often destructive fall.

FAQs

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

You can use "tumble down" to describe a physical fall (e.g., "The rocks tumbled down the hillside") or a metaphorical decline (e.g., "The company's profits tumbled down after the scandal").

What is a good alternative to "tumble down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fall over", "collapse", or "plummet".

Is it correct to say "tumbled down" or should it be "tumbled down"?

"Tumbled down" is the past tense form of "tumble down" and is grammatically correct. "Tumble down" is the base form, used in present tense or as an infinitive.

What's the difference between "tumble down" and "fall down"?

"Tumble down" implies a more chaotic and uncontrolled fall, often over a distance or uneven surface. "Fall down" ("fall down") is a more general term for losing one's balance or dropping to a lower level.