fall out

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence "Fall out" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is usually used to mean a disagreement or argument such as, "John and Jane had a huge fall out last week." It can also be used to mean to "drop out of or away from something" as in, "Due to a sudden illness, he had to fall out of the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Did they fall out?

The Guardian

Did you fall out?

The Guardian - Music

Until they fall out".

The Guardian

So why did my hair fall out?

The New York Times

But if club and player fall out?

The Economist

I watched myself fall out the window.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The fall-out was unpleasant.

The New Yorker

But is there a psychological fall-out?

Independent

The crisis has had considerable fall-out.

Independent

The fall-out was worse.

The Guardian

The fall-out was immediate.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fall out" to describe a disagreement, consider specifying the reason for the dispute to provide clarity and context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid confusing the phrasal verb "fall out" (meaning to quarrel or detach) with the noun "fallout" (meaning the consequences of an event). For instance, use "They had a fall out over finances" not "They had a fallout over finances."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fall out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating either a cessation of friendly relations or the act of dropping or detaching from something. Ludwig shows that it describes both interpersonal conflicts and physical dislodgements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Fall out" is a versatile phrasal verb that commonly describes either a breakdown in relationships due to disagreement or the physical detachment of an object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across different source types. While frequent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, more formal settings might warrant careful consideration of alternative phrasings to ensure precision and clarity. Common errors include confusing "fall out" with "fallout", which has a different meaning. When writing, make sure to clarify which meaning you intend: relational discord or physical separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a falling-out

A noun form emphasizing the event of a breakdown in a relationship.

break up

Commonly used in the context of ending a romantic relationship or partnership.

quarrel

Focuses specifically on the aspect of having a heated argument or disagreement.

disagree

Emphasizes the lack of consensus or harmony between individuals.

have a disagreement

A more formal way to express a difference in opinion leading to conflict.

become dislodged

Emphasizes the accidental or unintentional removal of something.

become estranged

Indicates a severing of close relationships, often with lasting emotional distance.

come apart

Shifts the focus to physical separation or disintegration.

separate

General term for division or disconnection between entities.

detach

Highlights the action of something becoming separated from something else.

FAQs

What does it mean when people "fall out"?

When people "fall out", it means they have a serious disagreement or argument that damages their relationship. It can also mean something detaches or comes loose. The meaning depends on the context.

What are some synonyms for "fall out" when describing a disagreement?

Alternatives to "fall out" in the context of an argument include "quarrel", "disagree", or "have a falling-out". These options emphasize different aspects of the conflict.

How can I use "fall out" in a sentence about physical objects?

When referring to physical objects, you can say something like, "The button might "fall out" if the stitching is weak". In this context, it means to detach or become dislodged.

Is "fall out" formal or informal?

"Fall out" is generally considered neutral to informal. While acceptable in news and media, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "have a disagreement" or "become estranged" when discussing interpersonal conflicts.