fall into a hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall into a hole" is correct and usable in written English.
Example sentence: As he walked along the path, he wasn't paying attention and he suddenly fell into a hole.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Could your bed fall into a hole in the middle of the night?

The Guardian - Opinion

I started running back toward the trail, or where I thought it should be, but the light kept appearing in front of me, and then I would change directions and run headlong into a tree or fall into a hole.

The New Yorker

A lot of people fall into a hole when they say, 'I'm unemployed now.' At a transfer company you don't feel that way," said Jochen Bordt, 40, a mechanics instructor.

The New York Times

You can stumble on a rolling log or fall into a hole, both of which just dock you some points.

TechCrunch

One week a passing truck would splash him with mud, the next he would fall into a hole.

BBC

I can fall into a hole on Facebook or looking at news stories online.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"If my house falls into a hole, then it falls into a hole".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've slipped and fell into a hole.

The New York Times - Sports

Then Blair fell into a hole of his own making.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zynga fell into a hole because they were completely focused on one platform, which is Facebook.

The New York Times

"I fell into a hole and gashed my leg to the bone," said Garrett.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "fall into a hole" to vividly describe unexpected setbacks or problematic situations, both literally and figuratively.

Common error

Avoid using "fall into a hole" too frequently in your writing. While descriptive, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall into a hole" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of entering an undesirable situation or physical space. Ludwig's examples show both literal and figurative usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fall into a hole" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes entering an undesirable physical or metaphorical situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. While not overly formal, it's commonly used in news and general contexts to describe unexpected setbacks or accidents. Related phrases include "get into a mess" and "stumble into". When using "fall into a hole", be mindful of overuse and consider more specific language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stumble into

Emphasizes the accidental nature of encountering something undesirable, similar to unintentionally falling into a hole.

get into a mess

Expresses the idea of becoming involved in a difficult or problematic situation, similar to accidentally encountering a physical or metaphorical hole.

make a blunder

Focuses on the act of making a significant error or mistake, akin to stumbling and falling into a metaphorical hole.

find oneself in trouble

Emphasizes the state of being in a problematic situation, as a consequence of some action or circumstance, similar to the result of falling into a hole.

encounter difficulties

Highlights the experience of facing problems or challenges, which can be likened to the unexpected nature of falling into a hole.

land in hot water

Implies getting into trouble or facing criticism, similar to the negative consequences of falling into a hole.

get bogged down

Suggests being hindered or stuck in a situation, similar to the entrapment implied by falling into a physical hole.

be caught in a trap

Conveys the feeling of being ensnared or unable to escape a situation, akin to the physical confinement of falling into a hole.

get ensnared

Focuses on the act of becoming trapped or entangled, similar to the feeling of being stuck after falling into a hole.

go astray

Suggests deviating from the correct path or making a wrong turn, like accidentally falling into a hole while not paying attention.

FAQs

How can I use "fall into a hole" in a sentence?

You can use "fall into a hole" both literally, as in "The hiker accidentally "fell into a hole" in the ground", or figuratively, as in "The company "fell into a hole" of debt after the failed product launch".

What are some alternatives to saying "fall into a hole"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "get into a mess", "make a blunder", or "encounter difficulties".

Is it appropriate to use "fall into a hole" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fall into a hole" might be considered informal for certain formal contexts. Consider more precise or sophisticated language depending on your audience and purpose.

What does it mean to figuratively "fall into a hole"?

Figuratively, to "fall into a hole" means to find yourself in a difficult or undesirable situation, often unexpectedly. This could be a financial crisis, a personal setback, or a professional problem.