tumbled to the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tumbled to the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone falling down suddenly or uncontrollably. Example: "The child lost his balance and tumbled to the ground while playing in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Peters tumbled to the ground just short of the Wrigley wall.

The New York Times - Sports

People tumbled to the ground, turned toward Mecca, and gathered themselves in the evening prayer.

The New York Times - Travel

After one of those jumps, he landed and tumbled to the ground in pain.

The New York Times - Sports

Hunter tumbled to the ground but held the ball in his glove.

The New York Times - Sports

It was only at the first preview that Mr. Lithgow tumbled to the ground.

The New York Times

He executed a step-over and tumbled to the ground again.

The Guardian - Sport

Bodies and bottles tumbled to the ground, and for a moment all conversation halted.

The New York Times - Travel

In the final shot, the horse has tumbled to the ground, legs spreadeagled.

The Guardian - Sport

But after one of the jumps, he tumbled to the ground in pain, having hyperextended his right knee.

The New York Times - Sports

As she moved from one bar to another, her grip slipped and she tumbled to the ground.

The New York Times - Sports

As Hernández tumbled to the ground, the assistant referee on the sideline waived his flag, but Lopez let play continue, perhaps believing the striker had taken a dive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumbled to the ground" to vividly describe a fall that involves a rolling or uncontrolled motion. It adds a sense of dynamism and lack of control to the scene.

Common error

While "tumbled to the ground" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "fell to the ground" or "collapsed" in professional or academic writing for greater precision and neutrality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tumbled to the ground" primarily functions as a compound verb phrase describing an action. It details the manner in which someone or something falls, indicating a rolling or uncontrolled descent to the ground, as showcased in many Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tumbled to the ground" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that vividly describes an uncontrolled fall, often involving a rolling motion. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources. While appropriate in most contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings. Key alternatives include "fell to the ground" or "collapsed" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, suggesting its utility in descriptive and narrative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell to the ground

A direct and simple alternative, emphasizing the end result of falling.

stumbled and fell

Highlights the act of losing balance before falling.

collapsed onto the ground

Implies a sudden loss of strength or support, leading to a fall.

tripped and landed on the ground

Emphasizes the cause of the fall being a trip.

crashed to the ground

Suggests a forceful and impactful fall.

plunged to the ground

Indicates a rapid and uncontrolled fall.

slumped to the ground

Describes a slow, heavy fall, often due to exhaustion or unconsciousness.

bit the dust

An idiomatic expression for falling to the ground, often used humorously.

hit the deck

An informal term, meaning to fall or lie flat on the ground quickly, often for cover.

spilled to the ground

Describes a fall that suggests dispersion or scattering, often used for objects.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "tumbled to the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "tumbled to the ground" to describe someone or something falling in a rolling or clumsy way, for example, "After being tripped, the child "tumbled to the ground"." It conveys a sense of lack of control.

Which is correct, "tumbled to the ground" or "fell on the ground"?

"Tumbled to the ground" and "fell on the ground" are both grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Tumbled to the ground" suggests a rolling or uncontrolled fall, while "fell on the ground" is a more general term for any type of fall.

What can I say instead of "tumbled to the ground"?

You can use alternatives like "fell to the ground", "collapsed onto the ground", or "crashed to the ground" depending on the context.

Is "tumbled to the ground" formal or informal?

"Tumbled to the ground" sits in a neutral register, perfectly fine for most writing situations. However, for particularly formal or academic writing, a more precise alternative might be preferable, like "fell to the ground" or "collapsed".