tumbled around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tumbled around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been moved or thrown about in a chaotic or uncontrolled manner. Example: "The papers tumbled around the room as the wind blew through the open window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Equities tumbled around the world.

The Economist

Six dogs tumbled around him.

The New Yorker

Shakeel's young son tumbled around in the darkness, moving from lap to lap.

The New York Times

Most of all, matters of morality and faith tumbled around in his mind.

The New York Times

There is Piseth, a chubby 3-year-old who tumbled around the toddler area.

The New York Times - Magazine

They hit their marks, while male dancers leapt and tumbled around them.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"They tumble around and they crash their cars up.

The New York Times - Books

Everything can tumble around, and I'm O.K".

The New York Times

The world had begun to tumble around England 's ears.

The Guardian - Sport

He shifts his weight and she tumbles around his body.

The New York Times - Arts

Images of life on Mars are tumbling around in our brains.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumbled around" to vividly describe chaotic movement or situations where things are being tossed about without control. It's more descriptive than simply saying 'moved'.

Common error

While "tumbled around" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound informal or overly descriptive in formal writing. Consider using more precise or neutral alternatives like 'fluctuated' or 'shifted' depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tumbled around" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the manner in which something or someone moves or is moved. Ludwig provides several examples where it depicts chaotic or uncontrolled motion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tumbled around" is a common verb phrase used to describe chaotic, uncontrolled movement. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various news and media contexts, with occasional appearances in scientific writing. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it might be perceived as too informal for certain formal settings. Consider alternatives like "fluctuated wildly" or "moved erratically" for a more neutral tone. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved erratically

Focuses on the uncontrolled movement aspect, omitting the 'surrounding' element.

fluctuated wildly

Emphasizes unpredictable changes rather than physical tumbling.

swirled chaotically

Suggests a circular, turbulent motion, differing from a more random 'tumbling'.

revolved haphazardly

Highlights the chaotic rotational movement, but may not always imply falling or instability.

tossed and turned

Suggests a more violent and less controlled form of movement.

buffeted about

Implies being struck repeatedly and moved by external forces.

moved randomly about

Focuses solely on the random movement omitting the 'tumbling' nature of the action.

spun uncontrollably

Emphasizes the lack of control, focusing on spinning motion.

surrounded chaotically

Highlights the chaotic aspect of being encompassed, not the movement.

were in disarray

Describes a state of disorder, lacking the dynamic movement of "tumbled around".

FAQs

How can I use "tumbled around" in a sentence?

You can use "tumbled around" to describe something moving in a chaotic or uncontrolled way. For example, "The equities "tumbled around" the world" or "Six dogs "tumbled around" him."

What are some alternatives to "tumbled around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "moved erratically", "fluctuated wildly", or "swirled chaotically". Choose the phrase that best conveys the specific type of movement or disarray you want to describe.

Is "tumbled around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tumbled around" might be perceived as informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or neutral alternatives like "shifted" or "fluctuated".

What does "tumbled around" imply?

"Tumbled around" suggests chaotic or uncontrolled movement, often involving a lack of direction or stability. It can also imply being surrounded or engulfed by something in motion.