Phrasal verb
fall under
Definition
phrasal verb. to be included in a specific group, category, or set of rules.
phrasal verb. to be classified within a particular category or to be subject to the authority or jurisdiction of a specific power or regulation.
Examples
“This task falls under the marketing department's responsibilities.”
“Many small businesses fall under the new tax laws that were passed last year.”
“The legal dispute falls under the jurisdiction of the international court, as it involves treaties between two sovereign nations.”
Examples
simple
“This task falls under the marketing department's responsibilities.”
contextual
“Many small businesses fall under the new tax laws that were passed last year.”
complex
“The legal dispute falls under the jurisdiction of the international court, as it involves treaties between two sovereign nations.”
Usage
usually followed by a noun representing a category, department, or rule.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'belong to' (ownership/membership) and 'be part of'; 'fall under' is more common when discussing formal classifications or legal control.
Pitfall
This falls under of the new rules.
This falls under the new rules.
do not use 'of' after 'under'; the category or rule follows the particle directly.
Phrasal verb
Particles
under
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fall + under + object