fall upwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall upwards" is not grammatically correct in English.
The correct phrase would be "rise upwards" which means to move in an upward direction. For example, "The hot air balloon floated upwards, giving the passengers a stunning view of the mountains below."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

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Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If in physics you theorise that a brick dropped off a tall building could fall upwards, you'd get some funny looks - but it wouldn't affect the trajectory of the brick.

The Guardian - Business

And yet it is also mysterious, for the pleated skirt she wears seems to fall upwards, covering her torso and head like a vast paper fan so that her identity is concealed.

The Guardian - Arts

Why aren't there any particles that fall upwards in the gravitational field of Earth?

Forbes

It seems highly unlikely that someone can come up with a successful theory in which objects whose density is greater than that of air fall upwards.

SEP

The division into natural kinds is, presumably, a 'shallow fact' about the world: matters could have been otherwise had God ordained them differently; fire might be cold, heavy bodies fall upwards, frogs reason.

SEP

If Hajdukovic can show that anti-matter particles fall "upwards", he not only opens the way to some form of demonstrable anti-gravity on earth, he almost certainly wins a Nobel prize into the bargain.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Miraculously, most of the paper was falling upwards, as if the law of gravity had been suspended and nothing needed to come down until it was tired.

The New Yorker

If it were to rain heavily, he adds, "it will become a bit more Blade Runner – needles of rain like steel falling upwards.

The Guardian - Arts

Truman Capote, for the ruthless way he hones and hones pages until there's no grit, no snags — the whole thing just floats off the page, like blossom falling upwards.

The New Yorker

Being able to coerce internet stocks is one thing, but once Will gets the ability to fly anywhere in the world via small silver molecules contained in rain (they look like iron fillings falling upwards), you feel the film's energies dissipating in the air alongside them.

The Guardian - Film

Days of extreme cold meant Brockbank's mind was sluggish, and as he lay on the boat's floor beneath the canvas cover his first sensation of the capsize was of falling upwards then down again before thinking: "I'm wet".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rise upwards" or similar alternatives when describing movement against gravity to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Do not use "fall upwards" in scientific or technical writing. Instead, opt for precise and grammatically sound language, such as "ascend" or "rise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall upwards" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting contradictory concepts. It is often employed in creative writing to convey paradox or a sense of the surreal, despite being grammatically unconventional. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Arts

17%

Less common in

Film

8%

Sport

4%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fall upwards" presents a linguistic paradox, combining contradictory actions. Grammatically incorrect, it finds use primarily in creative contexts to express surreal or unexpected positive outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase deviates from standard grammar but can be effective in evoking a sense of wonder or challenging conventional expectations. When aiming for clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, alternatives like "rise against gravity" or "ascend unexpectedly" are recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rise against gravity

Replaces "fall" with "rise" to directly contrast gravitational pull.

ascend unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprising nature of upward movement.

move in opposition to gravity

Highlights the conflict with the natural force of gravity.

defy downward pull

Emphasizes the resistance to a downward force.

float skyward

Suggests a gentle, unforced upward motion.

drift upwards

Implies a passive upward movement, often guided by air currents.

soar against the expected direction

Adds a sense of overcoming expectations to the upward movement.

levitate upwards

Suggests a magical or supernatural lifting force.

be propelled skyward

Highlights an external force causing upward movement.

climb in reverse

Combines the concepts of climbing and reversing direction.

FAQs

How can I use the idea of "fall upwards" in writing?

While "fall upwards" is grammatically incorrect, it can be used creatively in fiction or poetry to depict surreal or dreamlike scenarios. Consider alternatives like "rise against gravity" or "ascend unexpectedly" for clarity in other contexts.

Is it ever correct to say "fall upwards"?

Generally, no. "Fall upwards" contradicts the definition of falling, which implies downward movement due to gravity. However, it can be used metaphorically to describe a surprising or unexpected positive outcome, similar to "failing upwards".

What's a more grammatically sound way to express the concept of "fall upwards"?

Consider using phrases like "defy gravity", "ascend against all odds", or "rise unexpectedly" depending on the intended meaning.

What does it mean when something is described as "falling upwards"?

It usually suggests a paradoxical or counterintuitive situation, where something unexpectedly improves or elevates despite initial appearances. It's an inversion of normal expectations, like "failing successfully".