fall to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall to" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to begin or take on a task or responsibility. Example Sentence: After the previous manager retired, the responsibility of maintaining the documents fell to her assistant.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They fall to rise".

The New York Times - Books

Others fall to ivory poachers.

The Economist

Safe seats fall to challengers.

The New York Times

She saw Daniel fall to the ground.

The New Yorker

The bill would fall to London.

The Economist

The petals fall to the ground singly.

The New York Times

Weekly unemployment claims fall to April levels.

The New York Times

Mets fall to Dodgers, 4-2.

The New York Times

Ascribes fall to U.S.-Soviet detente.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Google TV arrived last fall to lukewarm reviews.

The New York Times

Coming Thursdays this fall to NBC.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fall to" to mean 'begin eating', ensure the context clearly indicates this, as it can also mean 'decrease to' or 'become someone's responsibility'.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the surrounding context clarifies whether "fall to" means 'begin an activity,' 'decrease to a level,' or 'become someone's duty'. Rephrasing can prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall to" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating either the commencement of an action or a descent to a particular state or level. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both senses. It may signify starting an activity with enthusiasm or denoting a decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall to" is a versatile verb phrase with multiple meanings, primarily indicating the commencement of an action, the allocation of responsibility, or a reduction to a specific level. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register is typically neutral, adapting to the formality of the situation. To ensure clarity, consider the surrounding context to prevent misinterpretation between its different senses. Remember that, as shown in the numerous examples that Ludwig provides, the meaning of the phrase depends heavily on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to

Emphasizes the start of an action or process, similar to "fall to" when it means to begin an activity.

become responsible for

Focuses on the assumption of responsibility, akin to one meaning of "fall to".

start doing

A general way to express beginning an action.

devolve upon

Indicates that a duty or responsibility passes to someone.

be assigned to

Emphasizes the act of assigning responsibility.

decrease to

Highlights a reduction to a specific level or amount.

get down to

Implies starting something seriously or with focus.

find oneself doing

Implies a gradual or unexpected start to an action.

be reduced to

Indicates a decrease or decline to a particular state.

get around to

Suggests finally starting something that has been delayed.

FAQs

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

You can use "fall to" in sentences like, "After the negotiations failed, the decision "fell to" the president" or "The mortgage rates "fall to" a record low" depending on the context you want to represent.

What can I say instead of "fall to" when talking about starting an activity?

Alternatives to "fall to" when referring to starting an activity include "begin to", "start doing", or "get down to depending on the context".

When would I use "fall to" versus "decrease to"?

"Fall to" can imply a broader range of meanings, including starting an action or something becoming someone's responsibility. "Decrease to" specifically refers to a reduction in quantity or level.

Is it correct to say "falls to" or should I always use "fall to"?

Both "fall to" and "falls to" are correct, depending on the subject. Use "fall to" with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they", and "falls to" with singular third-person subjects (he/she/it). For example, "Responsibilities "fall to" the team" vs. "The responsibility "falls to" him".