tumbled

USAGE SUMMARY

"tumbled" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in the context of something falling down, or a sudden change in position or condition. Example sentence: The stocks tumbled after the news of the scandal broke.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But unlike Britain, the long fall in house prices that began in 2007 is not over; in March, Spain's Instituto Nacional de Estadistica said they tumbled another 1.3% in the last three months of 2013, and that the annualised rate of price inflation was -7.8%.

The Guardian - Money

In the third chapter of his History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon gave two reasons why the slavery into which the Romans had tumbled under Augustus and his successors left them more wretched than any previous human slavery.

The Guardian - Tech

These fragments of rock that have tumbled from the sky often seem like the only solid element in the earthly narratives they leave like twisting trails of light in their wake.

The Guardian - Arts

To the internet, where spoiler fury has now officially finally tumbled down the rabbit hole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, oil prices fell by about half in late 2014, and Exxon's profit in the first quarter of 2015 tumbled 46% compared with the same period in 2014, although it still earned $4.9bn.

The Guardian - Business

Walls tumbled, large cracks opened on streets and walls, towers collapsed and clouds of dust began to swirl all around.

The Guardian

Commodities fell to a nine-month low as silver, copper and nickel tumbled.

The Guardian - Business

Broad and runner beans, tomatoes, and pears have tumbled by more than 20% in the past decade, pushed out by foreign competitors who can supply hungry supermarkets all year round.

The Guardian

The summer sun was at its zenith in a cloudless sky when Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Saint-Exupéryforce reconnaissance plane tumbled into the Mediterranean in July 1944, killing the author of The Little Prince, and creating a necessary hero in a country humbled by defeat and collaboration.

The Guardian - Books

The leading FTSE 100 index tumbled by 121 points, or 1.7%, to 6813, after the Federal Reserve chair, Janet Yellen, said share valuations could be dangerously high.

The Guardian

Now, thanks to the paucity of strong new releases, box office has tumbled, down 34% on the equivalent frame from 2014, when a previews-boosted Bad Neighbours secured the top spot with a whopping £8.45m.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumbled" to convey a sense of suddenness and lack of control in a fall or decline. For example, use it when describing stock prices that have decreased rapidly or a structure that has collapsed unexpectedly.

Common error

Avoid using "tumbled" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise and less evocative term like "decreased" or "declined" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tumbled" is as a verb, typically in the past tense. It describes an action of falling or declining rapidly and often uncontrollably. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly signifies a sudden and forceful movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tumbled" functions primarily as a verb indicating a sudden and often uncontrolled fall or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, with a slightly informal tone suitable for news and general writing. It's frequently used to describe rapid decreases in value or stability, as seen in examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in highly formal contexts where more precise terms might be preferred. Related phrases include "fell sharply" and "plummeted", each offering subtle nuances in conveying the speed and force of the decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell sharply

Emphasizes the speed and magnitude of the fall, focusing on a rapid decline.

plummeted

Suggests a steep and rapid descent, often implying a loss of control.

decreased rapidly

Highlights the swift reduction in quantity or value.

collapsed

Indicates a sudden failure or breakdown, often associated with structures or systems.

declined significantly

Focuses on a notable reduction in amount or importance.

dropped steeply

Similar to "fell sharply", indicating a quick and substantial decrease.

crashed

Implies a forceful and often destructive fall, often used in the context of markets or vehicles.

plunged downwards

Emphasizes the downward motion with force.

lost value quickly

Focuses on the rapid loss of monetary worth.

went into freefall

Illustrates an uncontrolled and rapid descent, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "tumbled" in a sentence?

You can use "tumbled" to describe a rapid decrease or fall. For example, "The company's stock prices "tumbled" after the announcement of poor earnings."

What are some synonyms for "tumbled"?

Synonyms for "tumbled" include "fell sharply", "plummeted", and "collapsed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the rocks tumbled down the hill'?

Yes, it is correct. "Tumbled" accurately describes the motion of rocks rolling or falling down a slope.

Which is more formal, "tumbled" or "decreased"?

"Decreased" is generally more formal than "tumbled". Use "decreased" in formal reports or academic papers, while "tumbled" is suitable for news articles or less formal writing.