Differences between stumble across and stumble upon
Stumble across and stumble upon are very similar in meaning, but stumble upon is more commonly used to describe finding something unexpected or accidental while browsing or searching for something else. Stumble across can also mean finding something by chance, but it's often used to describe discovering something while walking or traveling.
Meanings and Definitions: stumble across vs stumble upon
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Stumble across
- 1Find something accidentally.
You'll never guess what I STUMBLED ACROSS when I was packing my stuff.
Stumble upon
- 1Find something accidentally.
I STUMBLED UPON these photos when I was clearing my room up.
Usage Examples: stumble across, stumble upon in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
stumble across
Example
I stumbled across an old photo album while cleaning the attic.
Example
She often stumbles across interesting articles while browsing the internet.
stumble upon
Example
While walking in the forest, I stumbled upon a hidden waterfall.
Example
She often stumbles upon interesting articles while browsing the internet.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stumble across
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stumble upon
To find or encounter something unexpectedly or accidentally.
Example
While browsing the internet, I came across unexpectedly a great recipe for chocolate cake.
To find or discover something that was previously hidden or unknown.
Example
Archaeologists unearthed a 2000-year-old temple in the desert.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “stumble”
Phrasal Verbs with “across”
Phrasal Verbs with “upon”
Differences in stumble across vs stumble upon: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: stumble across or stumble upon?
Both stumble across and stumble upon are commonly used in everyday conversations, but stumble upon is more frequently used in written language, such as books or articles. Stumble across is more commonly used in spoken language.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stumble across and stumble upon
Both stumble across and stumble upon are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, if you want to convey a more formal tone, you can use alternative expressions such as 'discover by chance' or 'come across unexpectedly'.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of stumble across and stumble upon
The tone of stumble across and stumble upon is generally neutral, but they can carry a sense of surprise or excitement when describing unexpected discoveries.
