Phrasal verb
fall around
Definition
phrasal verb. to laugh so much that you lose control of your body or to act in a very silly, clumsy way because you are having fun. You use this when something is so funny you can't stay still.
phrasal verb. To be overcome with laughter or to behave in a boisterous, clumsy manner due to extreme amusement. This intransitive phrasal verb is frequently used in the progressive aspect and often collocates with the present participle 'laughing'.
Examples
“We all fell around when he told that ridiculous story.”
“The children were falling around in the garden, exhausted from laughing at their own silly games.”
“The comedy troupe's physical antics had the spectators falling around in the aisles, unable to contain their mirth as the performance reached its peak.”
Examples
simple
“We all fell around when he told that ridiculous story.”
contextual
“The children were falling around in the garden, exhausted from laughing at their own silly games.”
complex
“The comedy troupe's physical antics had the spectators falling around in the aisles, unable to contain their mirth as the performance reached its peak.”
Usage
Usually followed by the participle 'laughing' or used in the context of chaotic, informal humor.
Teaching tip
This is a less common variant of the British idiom 'fall about'; it is a good opportunity to show how 'around' and 'about' are often interchangeable in phrasal verbs.
Pitfall
They fell around of laughing.
They fell around laughing.
The phrasal verb is followed directly by the -ing form without the preposition 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fall + around
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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