| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
fall into [fɔːl ˈɪn.tuː] | to begin to be in a particular state or condition |
Other meanings
- to drop or descend physically into something (e.g., a hole)
- to start to belong to a category or classification
- to come into somebody's possession (fall into someone's hands)
- to begin a habit or routine (fall into a routine)
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "fall into"
- He accidentally fell into a ditch.
- During the meeting, the room fell into silence.
- After losing his job, he fell into debt.
- The novel falls into the fantasy category.
- The treasure fell into the wrong hands.
- They fell into a routine of evening walks.
Features of Using "fall into"
Often used both literally (to fall into a hole) and figuratively (to fall into silence, debt, a habit). It is a prepositional, inseparable verb: the noun phrase that completes the meaning follows into, not between fall and into. In fast speech into is commonly reduced (pronounced like /ˈɪn.tə/). Use it with nouns denoting states (silence, debt, routine) or with spatial nouns for literal falling.
Other phrasal verbs with the verb fall
fall apart
to break into pieces; disintegrate
fall off
to drop down from something
fall over
to lose balance and collapse to the ground
fall down
to collapse or drop to the ground
fall out
to stop being friends or in agreement
fall back
to retreat
fall in
to line up in formation
fall away
to gradually disappear or become less
fall behind
to move slower than others or fail to keep up
fall on
to attack or begin to attack someone or something
fall for
to be tricked or deceived
fall under
to be classified or placed within a particular category, jurisdiction, rule, or authority
fall to
to become the responsibility or duty of someone
fall upon
to attack suddenly and violently
fall through
to fail to happen or be completed
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb fall, including its forms and usage.