fall flat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall flat" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe when an attempt to make something successful fails. For example, "The comedian's jokes fell flat and the audience was unamused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Several of these fall flat.

The New York Times

Some fall flat.

The New York Times - Food

Jokes that fall flat.

The New Yorker

The show can fall flat.

The New York Times

Some of the parts fall flat.

The New York Times

Party balloons eventually fall flat.

The New York Times - Sports

The jokes often fall flat.

The New York Times

Jokes may fall flat in some settings.

Nature

Literary adaptations can similarly fall flat.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It fell flat.

The New York Times

My answer fell flat.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall flat" to describe situations where an attempt to create an impact or achieve a goal fails to produce the desired effect. It's particularly effective when discussing jokes, performances, or strategies that don't resonate with their intended audience.

Common error

Avoid using "fall flat" in contexts where a literal fall is intended. The phrase is primarily figurative, referring to a failure in performance or impact, not a physical descent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall flat" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used predicatively to describe the state of something failing to achieve its intended effect or purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and common in contemporary English. Ludwig's examples show this clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science & Research

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fall flat" is a frequently used verb phrase that means to fail to produce the intended result or effect. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science & Research. While relatively neutral in tone, it's essential to use this expression figuratively, avoiding literal interpretations. Alternatives like "fail to resonate" or "miss the mark" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate the idea of failure or ineffectiveness in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to resonate

Emphasizes a lack of emotional or intellectual connection with an audience.

prove ineffective

Highlights the lack of desired results or impact.

miss the mark

Suggests a failure to achieve a specific target or goal.

come to nothing

Indicates a complete lack of success or accomplishment.

be unsuccessful

A general term for not achieving the desired outcome.

not go over well

Implies a negative or unfavorable reaction from an audience.

bomb

An informal term suggesting a complete and utter failure.

fall through

Describes a plan or agreement that fails to materialize.

flop

Suggests a dramatic and often public failure.

be a letdown

Highlights the disappointment resulting from a failure to meet expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "fall flat" to describe a situation where something fails to produce the intended result. For example, "The comedian's jokes "fell flat"" or "The new marketing campaign "fell flat"".

What are some alternatives to saying "fall flat"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fail to resonate", "prove ineffective", or "miss the mark".

Is it correct to say "fell flat" instead of "fall flat"?

Yes, "fell flat" is the past tense of "fall flat" and is perfectly correct when referring to a past event. For example, "His presentation "fell flat" during the meeting".

What does it mean when someone says something "falls flat"?

When something "falls flat", it means that it fails to have the intended effect or make the desired impact. It often implies a disappointing or unsuccessful outcome.