Same verb · different particle

“fall” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 6 one at a time, then test yourself.

6 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

fall

apart back on behind for out through

fall + apart · 1 of 6

fall apart

break into pieces

fall apart sth

To break into separate parts, usually because something is old, weak, or damaged.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My old shoes are starting to fall apart after years of use.

A: Why are you throwing that bag away?
B: It's falling apart—the handle just came off.

Common mistake

Not: The bag fell ~~apart into pieces.~~

Say: The bag fell apart.

'Fall apart' already means break into pieces — 'into pieces' is redundant.

More on “fall apart”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the move, some of our boxes fell apart because they were too full.

Tell it apart

My old boots are falling apart.

literally coming to bits

I fell apart when I heard the news.

broke down emotionally

Goes with

fall apart + subject

Practice saying this

Next: fall back on

fall + back on · 2 of 6

fall back on

rely on as a backup

fall back on sth

to use something or someone as a backup option when your main plan or resource fails or is unavailable.

How oftenCommon

LevelC1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

If I can’t find a job in my field, I can always fall back on teaching.

A: What will you do if your business doesn’t work out?
B: Well, I still have my savings to fall back on, so I’m not too worried.

Common mistake

Not: I can fall back to my savings.

Say: I can fall back on my savings.

It's 'fall back ON' something — not 'to'.

More on “fall back on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I lost my main source of income, I would probably fall back on my family for support until I found another job.

Tell it apart

She had her savings to fall back on.

a backup to rely on

She fell behind on her savings goal.

failed to keep up

Goes with

fall back on + backup

Practice saying this

Next: fall behind

fall + behind · 3 of 6

fall behind

fail to keep up

fall behind sth
also: fall behind with

To not make as much progress as others or as expected, so that you are behind in work, studies, payments, or other activities.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

If you miss too many classes, you might fall behind in your studies.

A: How's your project going?
B: Honestly, I've fallen behind. I need to catch up this weekend.

Common mistake

Not: I fell behind of the others in class.

Say: I fell behind the others in class. / fell behind with my work.

'Fall behind' + person (no 'of'); 'fall behind WITH' a task.

More on “fall behind”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During busy exam periods, some students fall behind on their assignments because they have too much to do at once.

Tell it apart

He fell behind with his rent.

got into arrears

He had his savings to fall back on.

a backup to rely on

Goes with

fall behind (with/on)

Practice saying this

Next: fall for

fall + for · 4 of 6

fall for

be tricked

fall for sth

To believe something that is not true, often because someone is trying to trick or deceive you.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I can't believe I fell for that fake email and almost gave them my password.

A: Did you really think that message was from the bank?
B: Yeah, I totally fell for it. I feel so silly now.

Common mistake

Not: Don't fall for to his tricks.

Say: Don't fall for his tricks.

'Fall for' takes the trick/lie directly — no 'to'.

More on “fall for”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some people fall for online scams because the messages look very real and convincing.

Tell it apart

I can't believe I fell for it.

was tricked

I can't believe I fell for her.

fell in love with her

Goes with

fall for + trick

Practice saying this

Next: fall out

fall + out · 5 of 6

fall out

stop being friends

fall out with sb

To argue with someone and stop being friendly or close with them.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I fell out with my best friend over something silly, and we haven't spoken in weeks.

A: You seem upset. What happened?
B: I fell out with my brother last night. We had a big argument.

Common mistake

Not: I fell out ~~from~~ my best friend.

Say: I fell out with my best friend.

You 'fall out WITH' someone — not 'from'.

More on “fall out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Honestly, I try not to fall out with people, but sometimes disagreements happen, especially with close friends.

Tell it apart

They fell out over money.

argued and went cold

The money fell out of my pocket.

literally dropped out

Goes with

fall out (with/over)

Practice saying this

Next: fall through

fall + through · 6 of 6

fall through

fail to happen

fall through sth

If something such as a plan or arrangement falls through, it does not happen as expected, usually because something goes wrong.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Our holiday plans fell through when the airline canceled our flights.

A: Did you get the new job?
B: No, the offer fell through at the last minute.

Common mistake

Not: The house sale fell ~~through down.~~

Say: The house sale fell through.

'Fall through' is complete — don't add 'down'.

More on “fall through”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I was supposed to study abroad last year, but unfortunately, the program fell through because of visa issues.

Tell it apart

The house sale fell through.

didn't happen as planned

The house was falling apart.

physically breaking up

Goes with

fall through + plan/deal

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “fall” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “fall” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

fall apart fall back on fall behind fall for fall out fall through