fall out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall out of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something comes apart or separates from something else, to mean to come out of something, or to no longer be friends with someone. For example, "We used to be close friends, but then we fell out of touch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First graders fall out of their chairs.

The New York Times

Planes fall out of the sky.

The New York Times - Arts

They fall out of my pocket.

The New Yorker

It doesn't fall out of the sky.

The Guardian

"But it did not fall out of the sky".

The New York Times

"People fall in love, people fall out of love.

The New York Times

WHEN churches fall out of use, what happens to them?

The Economist

Employee ranking systems fall out of favor at many companies.

The New York Times

What skeletons will fall out of the closet next?

The Economist

WHY did this practice fall out of favor?

The New York Times

So we can fall out of love for physical reasons?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, consider whether "fall out with" (meaning to quarrel) or "fall out of love" (meaning to stop being in love) is more appropriate than simply "fall out of".

Common error

Avoid using "fall out of" when a more specific verb like "exit", "withdraw", or "abandon" more accurately conveys the intended meaning. Overuse can lead to ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall out of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a movement from inside to outside, a loss of connection, or a decline in status. Ludwig examples show it describing physical displacement, emotional detachment, and obsolescence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

32%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall out of" is a versatile prepositional phrase with multiple meanings, including physical displacement, loss of affection, and decline in status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, but careful attention should be paid to the specific meaning intended. While "fall out of" is frequently used in News & Media and Wiki sources, overuse should be avoided in favor of more specific verbs when appropriate. Be mindful of the intended meaning when using "fall out of" to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tumble out of

Suggests a more physical and less controlled exit.

drop out of

Implies a voluntary withdrawal or abandonment of something.

exit from

A more formal and neutral way of saying to leave something.

depart from

Indicates a formal or official departure from a place or agreement.

withdraw from

Suggests a deliberate removal from a situation or commitment.

leave behind

Emphasizes the act of abandoning or forsaking something.

become detached from

Implies a loss of connection or emotional bond.

lose interest in

Refers to a decline in enthusiasm or concern.

relinquish control over

Indicates the act of giving up authority or power.

cease to be involved in

A formal way of expressing the termination of participation.

FAQs

How can I use "fall out of" in a sentence?

You can use "fall out of" to describe physical displacement, as in, "The keys "fell out of" my pocket". It can also describe a loss of interest, such as "They "fell out of" love". Finally, it can describe a decline in favor, like "The policy "fell out of" favor".

What does it mean when people "fall out of" touch?

When people "fall out of" touch, it means they gradually stop communicating or seeing each other, often due to distance, changing priorities, or simply losing contact over time.

Which is the correct phrase, "fall out of" or "fell out of"?

Both "fall out of" and ""fell out of"" are correct. "Fall out of" is the present tense, while ""fell out of"" is the past tense. The correct choice depends on the time frame you are referring to.

What can I say instead of "fall out of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "drop out of", "withdraw from", "exit from", or "lose interest in".