fall behind

USAGE SUMMARY

"fall behind" is correct and usable in written English.
To use it, you just need to make sure it is used in the correct tense. For example, "She fell behind on her rent payments and now owes her landlord two months worth of rent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You don't fall behind".

The New York Times

So why did we fall behind?

The New Yorker

They fall behind, 1-0.

The New York Times

"If you don't change, you fall behind".

The New York Times

When did it begin to fall behind?

The Guardian

He was going to make sure I didn't fall behind".

The New York Times - Sports

The Pacific Time Zone will fall behind by another hour.

The New Yorker

Lens nearly fall behind again.

BBC

They don't fall behind".

Los Angeles Times

"Once you fall behind, it just avalanches".

Huffington Post

They might fall behind again this time.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about progress or competition, use "fall behind" to show a clear contrast between those who are advancing and those who are not.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct tense of "fall" depending on the context. For example, use "fell behind" for past tense or "falling behind" for present continuous tense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall behind" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a failure to maintain pace or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall behind" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of failing to keep pace, declining in performance, or lagging behind others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, general writing, and to a lesser extent, scientific discussions. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" sources. When using "fall behind", it's important to ensure you use the correct tense and understand the subtle differences between it and similar phrases like "lag behind" or "lose ground". By paying attention to these details, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lag behind

This alternative emphasizes a slower pace compared to others.

fail to keep pace

This alternative explicitly states the inability to maintain the same speed or progress.

be left behind

This alternative highlights the feeling of being abandoned or overtaken.

lose ground

This alternative focuses on losing an advantage or position.

be overtaken

This alternative underscores the action of being passed or surpassed by someone or something.

drop back

This alternative suggests a movement to a lower rank or position.

get behind

This alternative indicates a state of being overdue or not on schedule.

trail behind

This alternative emphasizes the act of following at a distance.

recede

This alternative suggests a gradual decline or withdrawal.

decline

This alternative focuses on a downward trend or decrease in quality.

FAQs

How can I use "fall behind" in a sentence?

You can use "fall behind" to indicate a failure to keep up with a schedule, standard, or competitor. For example, "If you don't study, you will "fall behind" in class".

What's the difference between "fall behind" and "lag behind"?

"Fall behind" generally implies a decline from a previous position or standard, whereas "lag behind" simply means moving slower than others without necessarily implying a decline.

What can I say instead of "fall behind"?

You can use alternatives like "lose ground", "get behind", or "fail to keep pace" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fallen behind"?

Yes, "fallen behind" is the past participle form of "fall behind" and is used in perfect tenses. For example, "She has "fallen behind" on her payments".