What does the phrasal verb “tip over” mean?

What are the definitions of “tip over”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Spill, make something fall on its side.

  I TIPPED my coffee OVER and ruined my keyboard.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tip over”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tip over is to spill something or make something fall on its side. It often refers to accidentally knocking over an object, causing its contents to spill or the object to fall.

What are the different verb forms of “tip over”?

Root Verb	tip over
Third Person Singular Present	tips over
Present Participle	tipping over
Simple Past	tipped over
Past Participle	tipped over

Example

Be careful not to tip over the vase on the table.

Example

The cat often tips over the water bowl.

Example

The wind is tipping over the trash cans outside.

Example

He accidentally tipped over the glass of juice.

Example

The chair had been tipped over during the party.

What kind of phrasal verb is “tip over”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“tip over” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She tipped over the cup of coffee.

Example

The strong wind tipped the tree over.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“tip over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She tipped over the cup of coffee.

Example

The strong wind tipped the tree over.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tip over”?

Tip over the edge

To push someone or something to a breaking point or a point of no return.

Example

His constant nagging tipped her over the edge, and she finally snapped.

Tip the balance/scales

To cause a change in a situation, often by giving one side an advantage.

Example

The new evidence tipped the balance in favor of the defendant.

On the tip of one's tongue

When you are trying to remember something, but you cannot quite recall it.

Example

The answer is on the tip of my tongue, but I just can't remember it right now.

Good things to know

Does “tip over” have an informal or formal tone?

Tip over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “tip over”?

Synonyms

• topple
• upset
• overturn
• capsize
• knock over
• spill

Antonyms

• upright
• stabilize
• settle
• balance
• straighten
• stand up