fall off
يسقط من
Literalmente: to descend from by falling
Use it to describe something moving from a high surface to a lower one by accident.
Em 15 segundos
- To accidentally drop from a surface to the ground.
- Commonly used for bikes, chairs, tables, and horses.
- Can metaphorically mean failing a habit or losing popularity.
Significado
This phrase describes when something or someone is on top of an object but then moves or drops down to the ground by accident.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Describing a minor accident
The cat tried to jump but fell off the sofa.
The cat tried to jump but fell off the sofa.
A parent talking to a child
Be careful or you will fall off the swing!
Be careful or you will fall off the swing!
Reporting a broken item at work
The monitor fell off the desk during the move.
The monitor fell off the desk during the move.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply rooted in the imagery of horse riding and cycling, which are common pastimes in English-speaking countries. It has evolved into a metaphor for failing at a task but being expected to try again immediately. In modern slang, 'falling off' can also mean a celebrity is losing their popularity or talent.
The 'Surface' Rule
Always imagine a flat surface. If the object is 'on' it, it can 'fall off' it. If it's 'in' it, it 'falls out'.
Don't confuse with 'Fall down'
`Fall down` usually means collapsing to the ground from a standing position. `Fall off` requires leaving a specific surface like a ledge.
Em 15 segundos
- To accidentally drop from a surface to the ground.
- Commonly used for bikes, chairs, tables, and horses.
- Can metaphorically mean failing a habit or losing popularity.
What It Means
Fall off is a simple way to describe a sudden drop. It happens when something loses its balance. Imagine a book sitting on the edge of a table. If it moves too far, it will fall off. It is about leaving a surface and hitting the floor. It is usually accidental and unexpected.
How To Use It
You need a subject and an object. For example, The cup fell off the counter. You can use it for people too. If you are riding a bike and lose balance, you fall off the bike. It is a phrasal verb, so the off tells us the starting point. It is very common in daily English.
When To Use It
Use it when describing physical accidents. It is perfect for telling a funny story about a clumsy moment. You can use it at home or at work. If a picture falls off the wall, tell your landlord. If you fall off your chair in a meeting, just laugh it off. It is a very versatile and safe phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that do not have a surface. You do not fall off a hole; you fall into it. Do not use it for prices or numbers usually. For prices, we say they drop or plummet. It is mostly for physical objects or people on top of things. Also, avoid it in very tragic medical reports.
Cultural Background
English speakers use this for the 'learning curve.' There is a famous saying: 'If you fall off the horse, get back on.' This means if you fail, you must try again. It is a symbol of resilience in Western culture. We value the effort of trying after a clumsy mistake. It shows you are tough and determined.
Common Variations
You might hear fall off the wagon. This is a specific idiom about failing a habit. Usually, it refers to someone who started drinking alcohol again. Another variation is fall off the radar. This means someone has disappeared or stopped communicating. Both are very common in casual American and British English conversations.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very safe to use in almost all contexts. Just remember that 'fell' is the past tense and 'fallen' is the past participle. It always implies a movement from a higher surface to a lower one.
The 'Surface' Rule
Always imagine a flat surface. If the object is 'on' it, it can 'fall off' it. If it's 'in' it, it 'falls out'.
Don't confuse with 'Fall down'
`Fall down` usually means collapsing to the ground from a standing position. `Fall off` requires leaving a specific surface like a ledge.
The Wagon Secret
If someone says they 'fell off the wagon,' don't look for a literal wagon! They are telling you they broke a resolution, like a diet or quitting smoking.
Exemplos
6The cat tried to jump but fell off the sofa.
The cat tried to jump but fell off the sofa.
Describes a physical movement from a surface.
Be careful or you will fall off the swing!
Be careful or you will fall off the swing!
A warning about safety.
The monitor fell off the desk during the move.
The monitor fell off the desk during the move.
Professional but direct description of an event.
I literally just fell off my bed laughing.
I literally just fell off my bed laughing.
Common exaggeration used in texting.
I fell off my bike three times today.
I fell off my bike three times today.
Sharing a personal struggle or learning process.
He was leaning back and fell off his chair!
He was leaning back and fell off his chair!
Used to highlight a funny physical mishap.
Teste-se
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
The book was on the edge, and then it fell ___ the shelf.
We use `off` because the book was on the surface of the shelf and moved away from it.
Complete the warning.
Don't put your phone there; it might ___ off the table.
After 'might', we use the base form of the verb `fall`.
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Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Fall Off'
Texting friends about a clumsy moment.
I fell off my chair lol.
Describing an accident to a stranger.
The sign fell off the wall.
Official incident reports.
The equipment fell off the platform.
When to use 'Fall Off'
Cycling
Falling off a bicycle.
Furniture
Falling off a bed or chair.
Objects
A glass falling off a table.
Habits
Falling off the wagon (idiom).
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, that is redundant. Just say fall off the table. The word off already implies the starting point.
The past tense is fell off. For example: 'Yesterday, I fell off my bike.'
Yes, in slang. If a singer isn't good anymore, people say they fell off.
Yes, if you are describing a physical object. 'The painting fell off the wall in the lobby' is perfectly fine.
It means someone stopped being noticed or stopped communicating. 'I haven't seen him lately; he fell off the radar.'
No, rain falls or falls down, but it doesn't fall off the sky because the sky isn't a solid surface.
No, it is two words. It is a verb fall and a particle off.
Fall off is usually accidental. Drop can be accidental or on purpose.
It is better to say prices fell or dropped. Fall off is less common for numbers unless you say 'fell off a cliff' to mean a huge drop.
Not at all. It is a standard, neutral phrase used by everyone from kids to professors.
Frases relacionadas
Fall down
Slip off
Tumble from
Drop off
Fall off the wagon
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