Phrasal verb
fall in
Definitions
01to collapse inwards
phr.v. to break and drop down towards the center of something.
phr.v. to collapse or cave inwards, typically describing a roof, ceiling, or structural support.
“The old wooden roof was so weak that it started to fall in after the heavy snow.”
“The abandoned warehouse was deemed a public hazard after the central rafters began to fall in during the winter storms.”
Usage
This verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Synonyms
02to form a line
phr.v. to stand in a straight line or a specific position, usually in the army.
phr.v. to take one's place in a military rank or formal formation.
“The sergeant shouted at the soldiers to fall in for the morning inspection.”
“Upon hearing the whistle, the recruits were expected to fall in immediately, standing at attention in perfectly straight rows.”
Formal
Usage
Often used as a command in military contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to end or expire
phr.v. to come to an end or stop being valid.
phr.v. to terminate, lapse, or cease to be operative, often in a legal or contractual sense.
“The lease on the property will fall in at the end of the year.”
“The rights to the estate are scheduled to fall in next month, returning the land to the original trust.”
Formal · Technical
Usage
Primarily used in British legal contexts regarding property or leases.
Antonyms
Teaching tip
contrast with 'fall out' (to leave the formation); it is helpful to explain that 'in' refers to the internal structure of the line or group.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fall + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/fall-in