tumbled down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tumbled down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has fallen or collapsed, often in a sudden or uncontrolled manner. Example: "The old building tumbled down during the storm, leaving debris scattered everywhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He tumbled down the rankings.

Independent

Clumps of soot tumbled down.

The New York Times

No moment when the walls tumbled down.

The Washington Post

Suddenly, five tumbled down a precipitous slope.

The New York Times

Foot thunder shook the balconies and tumbled down the stairs.

The New York Times - Arts

"All the houses around me have tumbled down.

The Guardian

JERRY SEINFELD: You haven't tumbled down a stair.

Harvard Business Review

The truck tumbled down an embankment and into Turner's pool.

The Washington Post

Rather than braking, he tumbled down the mountain.

The Washington Post

Boulders tumbled down the bluff onto the site.

The New York Times

East's queen tumbled down, and the slam was made.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumbled down" to vividly describe a fall or collapse that involves a lack of control or a rolling motion. This phrase adds a sense of dynamism and visual imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tumbled down" when a simple "fell" or "dropped" would suffice. "Tumbled down" implies a chaotic or uncontrolled descent, so ensure it fits the context to prevent over-dramatization.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tumbled down" functions primarily as a descriptor of motion, indicating a rapid, often uncontrolled, descent or collapse. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to depict physical falls (e.g., a person or object tumbling) and figurative declines (e.g., rankings or fortunes).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

3%

Travel

3%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Arts

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "tumbled down" effectively conveys a rapid and uncontrolled descent, applicable to both physical falls and figurative declines. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context warrants its vivid imagery. Alternatives like "fell heavily" or "plummeted" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. As Ludwig confirms, its common usage suggests a strong grasp is essential for any writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crashed down

Implies a violent and destructive fall, often involving impact.

fell heavily

Emphasizes the impact and force of the fall more than the uncontrolled descent.

plummeted

Suggests a rapid and steep descent, often from a great height.

collapsed

Focuses on the structural failure leading to a sudden downward movement.

stumbled and fell

Indicates an accidental loss of balance leading to a fall.

slid down

Suggests a more controlled or gradual descent compared to a tumble.

cascaded down

Describes a flowing descent, often used for liquids or loose materials.

spiraled downward

Describes a rotating or winding descent.

descended rapidly

A more formal way of expressing a quick downward movement.

lost footing

Focuses on the cause of the fall rather than the fall itself.

FAQs

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

Use "tumbled down" to describe something falling in a chaotic or uncontrolled manner, such as "The climber slipped and "tumbled down" the steep slope".

What phrases are similar to "tumbled down"?

Alternatives include "fell heavily", "crashed down", or "plummeted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tumbled down" formal or informal?

The phrase "tumbled down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing.

When should I avoid using "tumbled down"?

Avoid using "tumbled down" if the fall is simple and controlled. Simpler terms like "fell" or "dropped" might be more appropriate in those cases.