cause it to fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause it to fall" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are describing an action that leads to something falling, often in a more formal or literary style. Example: "The sudden gust of wind was strong enough to cause it to fall from the tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

General Motors is cutting four of its eight brands, a move that could cause it to fall behind Ford and Toyota unless it manages to increase sales of the remaining brands.

The New York Times

H & R Block Inc. said that though a change in the timing of some marketing expenses would cause it to fall short of analysts' expectations for its third fiscal quarter, the fourth quarter would be correspondingly better than expected and the outlook for the full fiscal year ending in April is unchanged.

The New York Times

By John Cassidy March 8, 2017 Historical precedent says that the current bull market can't last forever, but what might cause it to fall?

The New Yorker

The four commanders who resigned last week were angry over the arrests and prosecution of hundreds of officers dating to 2003, accused of conspiring to destabilize the government and cause it to fall.

The New York Times

Like many of his predecessors, Mr. Sharon has tried to bring enough members into his government so that no one party could cause it to fall by dropping out, not even Labor.

The New York Times

Do not try to saw a branch through with one cut because the weight of the branch will cause it to fall away and tear a strip of bark from the trunk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

As a consequence, it changes its shape, causing it to fall off the DNA sequence to allow the fibrous matrix components to be produced.

Harvard University

Newton also realized that the moon would fly off away from Earth in a straight line tangent to its orbit if some force was not causing it to fall toward the Earth.

Stanford University

The collision apparently launched the car over the barrier, causing it to fall 30 feet before landing on its wheels, according to police.

Huffington Post

Writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, Steve Winn derided the film, claiming its lack of a strong lead role caused it to "fall apart like the shattered mirrors that figure in the crimes".

Wikipedia

It was one of the top ten best-selling video games in United States during the first month after its release, but bugs and poor support from the developers caused it to fall out of favor with gamers by December.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause it to fall", ensure the subject performing the action is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The weakness caused it to fall', specify 'The structural weakness caused the building to fall'.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "cause it to fall" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. In everyday speech, simpler alternatives like "make it drop" or "knock it over" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause it to fall" functions as a causal verb phrase. It indicates an action or event that results in something descending. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause it to fall" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation where an action or event leads to something dropping. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for news, academic writing, and general communication. In more casual settings, consider using simpler alternatives. Key contexts where it appears include news media, wikis, and scientific publications. Remember to ensure that it is clear what is performing the action to prevent confusion and that you don't make it sound too dramatic in everyday chat. Consider the audience for the best results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make it drop

Focuses on the action of making something descend, simplifying the causal relationship.

lead it to topple

Emphasizes instability and a resulting fall, implying a lack of balance.

result in its descent

Highlights the descent as a consequence, using more formal language.

trigger its descent

Highlights that the phrase starts a chain of events leading to the fall

bring about its collapse

Focuses on causing a complete breakdown or failure, leading to a fall.

initiate its drop

Stresses starting the action of making something descend quickly

precipitate its downfall

Implies a sudden and dramatic fall, often from a high position or status.

generate its falling

Suggests that the phrase creates the descent

be responsible for its drop

Highlights the role of something in causing the fall

contribute to its tumble

Focuses on an action having a small part in an eventual, uncontrolled descent

FAQs

How can I use "cause it to fall" in a sentence?

Use "cause it to fall" to describe an action that leads to something dropping. For instance, "The strong wind could "cause it to fall" from the tree".

What are some alternatives to "cause it to fall"?

Alternatives include "make it drop", "lead it to topple", or "result in its descent" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "cause it to fall" formal or informal?

"Cause it to fall" leans towards the formal side. Simpler options like "make it drop" or "knock it over" might be preferable in informal settings.

What's the difference between "cause it to fall" and "make it fall"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "cause it to fall" is often perceived as slightly more formal and can imply a more indirect or complex chain of events leading to the fall, while "make it fall" is more direct and straightforward.