Phrasal verb
fall off sth
Definition
phrasal verb. To accidentally become separated from something and drop. For example, you can fall off a bike, a horse, or a ladder.
phrasal verb. To become detached from a surface or object and descend due to gravity. This verb and particle combination is followed by the object from which the subject falls.
Examples
“Be careful you don't fall off the ladder.”
“The child was learning to ride his new bike and kept falling off.”
“As the autumn winds grew stronger, the last few withered leaves finally fell off the ancient oak tree.”
Examples
simple
“Be careful you don't fall off the ladder.”
contextual
“The child was learning to ride his new bike and kept falling off.”
complex
“As the autumn winds grew stronger, the last few withered leaves finally fell off the ancient oak tree.”
Usage
This is often used for people on bikes, horses, or chairs, or for objects on shelves and tables.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'fall down' (to collapse from a standing position) and 'fall over' (to topple from an upright position).
Pitfall
He fell off from the horse.
He fell off the horse.
The particle 'off' already includes the meaning of separation, so an extra 'from' is not needed.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fall + off + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/fall-off-sth