What are the definitions of “tumble down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To collapse or fall suddenly.
Communism came tumbling down all over Eastern Europe.
- 2To fall suddenly and quickly in a disordered way.
The scaffolding tumbled down, burying him under it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tumble down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tumble down is to collapse or fall suddenly. It can be used to describe buildings, structures, or even abstract concepts like systems or governments that fall apart or fail.
What are the different verb forms of “tumble down”?
| Root Verb | tumble down |
| Third Person Singular Present | tumbles down |
| Present Participle | tumbling down |
| Simple Past | tumbled down |
| Past Participle | tumbled down |
Example
The old building tumbled down during the storm.
Example
The stack of books tumbles down when she accidentally bumps into it.
Example
The prices are tumbling down due to the economic crisis.
Example
The tree tumbled down after being struck by lightning.
Example
The wall had tumbled down after years of neglect.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tumble down”?
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
“tumble down” 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
The house tumbled down after the earthquake.
Example
The stock market tumbled down during the financial crisis.
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
“tumble down” 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
The house tumbled down after the earthquake.
Example
The stock market tumbled down during the financial crisis.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tumble down”?
Good things to know
Does “tumble down” have an informal or formal tone?
Tumble down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.
