fall behind
يتأخر
字面意思: to drop or descend behind something
Use it when you are trailing behind a group, a schedule, or a set of expectations.
15秒了解
- Failing to keep the same pace as others.
- Being late with regular tasks like bills or homework.
- Moving slower than a set schedule or deadline.
意思
It means you are moving slower than others or not keeping up with a schedule. You are stuck behind the expected progress point.
关键例句
3 / 6Talking about schoolwork
I missed a week of class and now I've fallen behind.
I missed a week of class and now I've fallen behind.
Discussing monthly expenses
If we aren't careful, we'll fall behind on the rent.
If we aren't careful, we'll fall behind on the rent.
During a group hike
Wait for me! I don't want to fall behind in the woods.
Wait for me! I don't want to fall behind in the woods.
文化背景
In highly competitive societies like the US or UK, 'falling behind' is often associated with the fear of failure in a capitalist system. The phrase gained massive popularity during the industrial revolution when assembly lines required everyone to keep the same pace. Today, it is the primary way people express 'productivity anxiety' in the digital age.
The 'With' vs 'On' Secret
In the US, people usually say 'fall behind ON' bills. In the UK, 'fall behind WITH' is just as common. Both are fine, but 'on' sounds a bit more urgent.
Don't confuse with 'Fall Out'
'Fall out' means to have an argument. If you say 'I fell out with my work,' people might think you hate your job, not that you are late!
15秒了解
- Failing to keep the same pace as others.
- Being late with regular tasks like bills or homework.
- Moving slower than a set schedule or deadline.
What It Means
Fall behind is about losing your pace. Imagine walking with friends. If you stop to tie your shoe, you fall behind. In life, it means you aren't finishing tasks on time. You are trailing the group or the deadline. It feels like everyone is ahead and you are chasing them.
How To Use It
You usually follow it with the word with or on. For example, you fall behind on your bills. Or you fall behind with your schoolwork. You can also use it alone. If you stop running fast, you simply fall behind. It is a very flexible phrasal verb. Use it when progress is slower than it should be.
When To Use It
Use it at the office when emails pile up. Use it in school when you miss three classes. Use it when talking about money and unpaid rent. It is perfect for describing a gap in progress. If your favorite team is losing, they have fallen behind in the score. It fits anywhere there is a race or a schedule.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for physical height. If you are shorter than your brother, you haven't fallen behind. Don't use it for being late to a party. If you arrive at 8:00 PM for a 7:00 PM dinner, you are just late. Fall behind implies a continuous process or a series of tasks. It is about the rhythm, not just a single clock point.
Cultural Background
Western culture is very obsessed with 'keeping up.' There is a famous phrase 'keeping up with the Joneses.' This means trying to have as much money as your neighbors. Because of this, falling behind feels stressful to native speakers. It implies you are losing the race of life. It’s a common fear in fast-paced cities.
Common Variations
You might hear lag behind. This is almost the same but feels a bit slower and heavier. You also hear get behind. This is more common in casual American English. Fall behind the curve is a fancy way to say you aren't learning new trends. Don't worry, we all fall behind sometimes—just grab a coffee and catch up!
使用说明
This phrase is neutral and safe for both the office and the pub. Just remember the irregular verb forms (fall/fell/fallen).
The 'With' vs 'On' Secret
In the US, people usually say 'fall behind ON' bills. In the UK, 'fall behind WITH' is just as common. Both are fine, but 'on' sounds a bit more urgent.
Don't confuse with 'Fall Out'
'Fall out' means to have an argument. If you say 'I fell out with my work,' people might think you hate your job, not that you are late!
The Opposite
To fix the situation, you need to 'catch up.' Native speakers almost always use these two together: 'I fell behind, so now I need to catch up.'
例句
6I missed a week of class and now I've fallen behind.
I missed a week of class and now I've fallen behind.
Shows a gap in academic progress.
If we aren't careful, we'll fall behind on the rent.
If we aren't careful, we'll fall behind on the rent.
Commonly used with 'on' for financial obligations.
Wait for me! I don't want to fall behind in the woods.
Wait for me! I don't want to fall behind in the woods.
Literal physical distance context.
Don't spoil the ending! I've fallen behind by three episodes.
Don't spoil the ending! I've fallen behind by three episodes.
Very common for media consumption.
My cat sat on my keyboard, so I've fallen behind on my emails.
My cat sat on my keyboard, so I've fallen behind on my emails.
Using a silly excuse for a lack of progress.
The construction crew has fallen behind schedule due to the rain.
The construction crew has fallen behind schedule due to the rain.
Standard professional way to report a delay.
自我测试
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
I've fallen behind ___ my mortgage payments this month.
We use 'on' or 'with' when talking about specific tasks or payments we are late with.
Select the best form of the verb.
Yesterday, he ___ behind the rest of the runners.
The sentence starts with 'Yesterday', so we need the past simple form 'fell'.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Fall Behind'
Texting friends about TV shows.
I'm falling behind on Stranger Things!
General conversation about work or school.
I fell behind with my chores.
Official reports or business meetings.
The project has fallen behind the projected timeline.
When to say 'Fall Behind'
Finances
Unpaid bills
Education
Missed lectures
Physical
Walking slower
Work
Missed deadlines
常见问题
10 个问题No, it is actually more common for abstract things like work, money, or learning. You can fall behind in a race, but you can also fall behind on your taxes.
Not really. If you arrive late, you are just late. You use fall behind if you are working slower than the schedule during the meeting.
The past simple is fell behind and the past participle is fallen behind. For example: 'He fell behind yesterday' or 'He has fallen behind recently.'
It can be sensitive. In a professional setting, it is a critique of their speed. Use it carefully so you don't sound like you are bossing them around.
This means someone is not keeping up with modern technology or fashion. For example: 'My grandpa has fallen behind the times; he doesn't have a smartphone.'
No, that is a common mistake. Use fall behind with or fall behind on. Avoid using 'of' after this phrase.
Mostly! Lagging behind is often used for technology (like a slow internet connection) or slow runners. Falling behind is better for tasks and responsibilities.
Use 'on'. Example: 'I fell behind on my credit card payments.' This tells the listener you owe money from previous months.
Yes! If a team is losing 2-0, you can say they have fallen behind by two goals.
Definitely. If your book club is on chapter 10 and you are on chapter 5, you have fallen behind.
相关表达
Lag behind
To move or develop more slowly than others.
Lose ground
To become less successful than others you are competing with.
Trailing
Being behind in a race or competition.
Catch up
To reach the same point as someone who is ahead of you.
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