Browse all

tip over

A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive

To (cause to) fall sideways or overturn from an upright position.

In plain English

To fall over to one side, or to make something fall over.

What does "tip over" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To fall or cause something to fall from an upright position onto its side.

"The cat jumped on the table and tipped over my glass of juice."

separable
2 B1 neutral

For a boat or vehicle to capsize or overturn.

"The canoe tipped over when they both leaned to the same side."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To tip so that something goes over to its side.

Actually means

To fall over to one side, or to make something fall over.

Usage tip

Very common and natural for both transitive and intransitive use. Applies to cups, vases, bicycles, boats, and many other objects. Frequently used in everyday conversation.

Words that pair with "tip over"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

glass vase cup boat bicycle bin

How to conjugate "tip over"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
tip over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tips over
he/she/it
Past simple
tiped over
yesterday
Past participle
tiped over
have + pp
-ing form
tiping over
continuous

Hear "tip over" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "tip over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.