Differences between trip over and trip up
Trip over means to stumble or fall due to an obstacle or uneven surface, while trip up means to make a mistake or cause someone to make a mistake.
Meanings and Definitions: trip over vs trip up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Trip over
- 1Fall.
I TRIPPED OVER and hurt my knee.
- 2Fall because you hit an obstacle.
I TRIPPED OVER the kerb and broke my nose.
Trip up
- 1Make a mistake.
I TRIPPED UP in the interview when they asked me about what I could offer the company.
Usage Examples: trip over, trip up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
trip over
Example
Be careful not to trip over the toys on the floor.
Example
She often trips over her own feet when she's not paying attention.
trip up
Example
I always trip up when I try to speak in front of a large audience.
Example
She trips up when she tries to remember all the details.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Trip over
To trip or lose balance while walking or running.
Example
She stumbled on the sidewalk and almost fell, but her friend caught her.
slip up
To make a mistake or error, especially one that could have been avoided.
Example
He slipped up and sent the email to the wrong person, causing confusion and delays.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Trip up
mess up
To make a mistake or error, especially one that has negative consequences.
Example
She messed up the presentation by forgetting important details and losing her train of thought.
screw up
To make a serious mistake or error, especially one that has significant consequences.
Example
He screwed up the project by missing the deadline and causing delays for the entire team.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “over”
Differences in trip over vs trip up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: trip over or trip up?
Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but trip over is more frequently used than trip up. This is because trip over is used to describe physical actions that happen more often than making mistakes.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of trip over and trip up
Both trip over and trip up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, trip up can be used in more formal settings such as business or academic contexts when discussing mistakes or errors.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of trip over and trip up
The tone of trip over is usually neutral or slightly embarrassed, while the tone of trip up can be more negative or critical, depending on the context.
