# fall down

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fall-down
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to drop to the ground by accident, usually because you tripped or lost your balance.

For teachers: to drop to the ground from an upright position; intransitive phrasal verb often used to describe accidental loss of balance or the collapse of a structure.

## Examples

- Be careful on the ice or you will fall down.
- The toddler tried to walk across the room but tripped on a toy and fell down.
- The old wooden shed finally fell down after years of neglect and exposure to the harsh winter storms.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fell down the chair." but "He fell off the chair." — use 'fall down' for dropping to the ground; use 'fall off' when moving from a surface like a chair or bike to the floor.

## Usage notes

- usually used without an object to describe the action of falling to the floor.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'fall over' (often used for objects or people tipping from a vertical to horizontal position) and 'fall off' (moving from a higher surface to a lower one).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.