heytardy
Log inGet started

fall for — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
fall for
be trickedfall in love with

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “be tricked”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 meaning: fall in love with

Meaning 2

fall in love with

  • fall for sth

To start feeling strong romantic love for someone.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

He fell for his best friend after spending so much time together.

A: How did you two meet?
B: We worked together, and I just fell for her.

Common mistake

Not: He fell for with his coworker.

Say: He fell for his coworker.

'Fall for' takes the person directly — no 'with' (that's 'fall in love with').

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

Another example

Many people fall for someone they meet at university because they share similar interests.

Tell it apart

She fell for him on the first date.

  • fell in love

She fell for his lies.

  • was tricked by them

Goes with

  • fall for + person
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?
Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

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

be trickedfall in love with