tip over vs flip over

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New2grammar

#497659 Mon, 07 Apr 08 02:08 PM

At any speed above 50 mph, any normal car will [tip over/flip over] at a 90 degree turn.

Is there any difference between the choices? Also, should I make speed or car plural?

Thanks in advance!

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (6,945)

Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?

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Grammar Geek

#497660 Mon, 07 Apr 08 02:13 PM

Something that tips over falls to its side.

Something that flips over ends up on its back. If a car "flips" it ends up on its roof.

I suspect tip was meant in the section above.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (14,803)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

New2grammar

#497717 Mon, 07 Apr 08 04:26 PM

GG, I believe roll over means the vehicle rolls a number of times before landing on its back like flip over does right?

Thanks a lot!

New2grammar

Numbers

Grammar Geek

#497727 Mon, 07 Apr 08 04:44 PM

A vehicle "roll-over" doesn't necessarily mean it rolled "over and over" several times. It could, but it doesn't have to.

Grammar Geek

New2grammar

#497730 Mon, 07 Apr 08 04:55 PM

Before we wrap up, a roll over can be a flip over but not vice versa, am I right?

New2grammar

Grammar Geek

#497744 Mon, 07 Apr 08 05:35 PM

Okay, I'm using Google now to confirm my thoughts.

First, it seems that "rollover" is one word and is used to describe a specific type of accident, often associated with SUVs with their higher center of gravity that took a turn too quickly.

It seems you can flip your car without having what's defined as a "rollover" accident, but that most rollovers will result in vehicles being upside down.

I'm not sure there is a bright line dividing the two, though.

Grammar Geek

New2grammar

#497940 Tue, 08 Apr 08 09:06 AM

Thanks, GG for the explanation. Now I understand the difference between flip over and tip over. However, rollover is still a mystery. To me, I still tend to think a roll over involves rolling at least one time and ending on its back like a flip over does. I think I'll use this distinction when choosing which phrase to use. And also your SUV recommendation.

New2grammar

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