# fall under

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to be included in a specific group, category, or set of rules.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "This falls under of the new rules." but "This falls under the new rules." — do not use 'of' after 'under'; the category or rule follows the particle directly.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

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.