tumbling down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tumbling down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is falling or collapsing, often in a dramatic or uncontrolled manner. Example: "The old building was so dilapidated that it finally started tumbling down during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Sports

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I feel the tumbling down tumbling down. . . .

The New Yorker

It all came tumbling down.

The New York Times

And now it's tumbling down a hill.

The New York Times

I saw the roof tumbling down.

The New York Times

"That's when my love comes tumbling down".

The Guardian - Music

But then, the edifice came tumbling down.

The Guardian - Tech

The rates should come tumbling down.

The Guardian - Travel

A tremor of any strength would bring them tumbling down.

Independent

Cumulatively, though, it is like tumbling down the stairs.

The New York Times

But all that buildup came tumbling down in two sets.

The New York Times - Sports

Once these twin pillars were removed it came tumbling down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tumbling down" to vividly describe a rapid and often chaotic fall, whether physical or metaphorical. It's especially effective when emphasizing a loss of control or stability.

Common error

Avoid using "tumbling down" in highly formal or technical writing where a more neutral term like "decreasing" or "declining" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tumbling down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe motion or a state of decline. It vividly portrays a rapid and uncontrolled descent, as seen in Ludwig's examples from news articles and other sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Music

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tumbling down" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a rapid and uncontrolled fall or collapse. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "tumbling down" effectively conveys a sense of speed and chaos, it's important to consider the formality of the context and choose more neutral alternatives like "decreasing" or "declining" when appropriate. The phrase’s impact lies in its vivid imagery, making it suitable for descriptive writing where a dramatic effect is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the descent, emphasizing a quick drop.

plummeting downwards

Emphasizes a steep and rapid decline, often from a great height.

crashing down

Implies a forceful and destructive fall, adding a sense of impact.

collapsing inward

Highlights the internal breakdown leading to a collapse, suggesting structural failure.

toppling over

Describes a loss of balance leading to a fall, suggesting instability.

spiraling downward

Suggests a loss of control and a winding path during the descent.

cascading down

Implies a flowing or overflowing fall, often used for liquids or large quantities.

descending quickly

A more neutral alternative, simply indicating a fast movement from a higher to a lower position.

spiraling out of control

Describes a loss of control where things get progressively worse.

going downhill

Indicates a decline in quality or condition, often gradual.

FAQs

What does "tumbling down" mean?

The phrase "tumbling down" describes something falling or collapsing in a rapid, uncontrolled, and often chaotic manner. It can apply to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even emotions.

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

You can use "tumbling down" to describe physical falls, such as "The rocks went tumbling down the hillside", or metaphorical collapses, such as "After the scandal, his reputation came tumbling down".

What are some alternatives to "tumbling down"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "falling rapidly", "plummeting downwards", or "crashing down" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "tumbling down" formal or informal?

"Tumbling down" is generally considered to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "rapidly declining" or "collapsing".