What does the phrasal verb “trip over” mean?

What are the definitions of “trip over”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Fall.

  I TRIPPED OVER and hurt my knee.

• 2. Fall because you hit an obstacle.

  I TRIPPED OVER the kerb and broke my nose.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb trip over is to fall or stumble, usually because of hitting an obstacle or losing balance. It can refer to falling down or just stumbling without falling.

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

Root Verb	trip over
Third Person Singular Present	trips over
Present Participle	tripping over
Simple Past	tripped over
Past Participle	tripped 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.

Example

He is always tripping over things in his messy room.

Example

Yesterday, I tripped over a rock while hiking.

Example

He had tripped over the rug and spilled his drink.

What kind of phrasal verb is “trip 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.)

Intransitive verb

“trip over” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She tripped over and hurt her ankle.

Example

He tripped over while running.

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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

“trip 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 tripped over and hurt her ankle.

Example

He tripped over while running.

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

Trip over one's words

To speak in a hesitant or stumbling manner, often due to nervousness or lack of confidence.

Example

During the presentation, he tripped over his words and lost his train of thought.

Trip over oneself

To be overly eager or enthusiastic about something, often to the point of clumsiness or making mistakes.

Example

She was so excited about the opportunity that she tripped over herself trying to impress the boss.

Trip over something

To encounter an unexpected problem or obstacle.

Example

We tripped over a few issues while working on the project, but we managed to resolve them.

Good things to know

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

Trip 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 “trip over”?

Synonyms

• stumble
• fall
• tumble
• topple
• slip
• teeter
• lurch
• stagger

Antonyms

• rise
• recover
• stabilize
• balance
• steady
• stand