falling behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling behind" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "My grades are falling behind and I'm feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just falling behind hitters.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon she was falling behind on bills.

The New York Times

But they're still falling behind".

The New York Times

If you are falling behind, be proactive.

Princeton University

"I'm falling behind in school work.

The Washington Post

But falling behind is not always bad.

The New York Times - Sports

"Companies don't like falling behind," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Hurricanes won despite falling behind twice.

The New York Times - Sports

She ended up falling behind in rent.

The New York Times

Americans were falling behind, he said.

The New Yorker

"We are falling behind," Mr. Vallone said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "falling behind", clearly specify what the subject is falling behind in. This adds clarity and context to your writing, making it more effective.

Common error

Ensure that the context of "falling behind" is clear. Without specific context, the phrase can be ambiguous. Specify whether it's in terms of deadlines, competition, or skill development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling behind" functions as a verb phrase often used to describe a state of not keeping pace or progressing at an expected rate. Ludwig's examples show it being used in contexts ranging from academic performance to economic development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling behind" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes a state of not keeping pace or progressing as expected. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal conversations. Its communicative purpose is often to express concern or warn of negative consequences. The analysis of examples from Ludwig shows the phrase's frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. Given its prevalence and clear meaning, writers can confidently use "falling behind" to convey the idea of lagging or losing ground.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lagging

Focuses on the state of being slow or delayed, emphasizing the process of failing to keep up.

falling short

Emphasizes the failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

getting left behind

Highlights the passive nature of being overtaken by others, suggesting a lack of progress.

losing ground

Indicates a reduction in advantage or progress, often in a competitive context.

slipping

Suggests a gradual decline in performance or position.

trailing

Describes the act of following at a distance, emphasizing the gap between leaders and followers.

being outpaced

Highlights the fact of being exceeded in speed or progress by someone or something.

dwindling

Focuses on the gradual reduction in size, amount, or strength.

receding

Implies a movement away or a decline in importance.

stagnating

Indicates a lack of growth or development, implying a failure to progress.

FAQs

How can I use "falling behind" in a sentence?

You can use "falling behind" to describe a situation where someone or something is not progressing at the expected rate. For example, "If you don't study, you risk falling behind in class".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "falling behind"?

Alternatives include "lagging", "falling short", or "losing ground". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever acceptable to use "falling behind" in formal writing?

Yes, "falling behind" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing performance, progress, or competitive positioning. Ensure the tone and context align with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "falling behind" and "getting left behind"?

"Falling behind" implies a personal failure to keep pace, while "getting left behind" suggests external factors are causing the lack of progress. In essence, /s/falling+behind focuses on one's own actions (or lack thereof), whereas /s/getting+left+behind highlights the influence of external conditions.