# fall off sth

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

To accidentally become separated from something and drop. For example, you can fall off a bike, a horse, or a ladder.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fell off from the horse." but "He fell off the horse." — The particle 'off' already includes the meaning of separation, so an extra 'from' is not needed.

## Usage notes

- 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).

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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.