fell aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"fell aside" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: As the curtain shifted, the toys on the mantelpiece fell aside making a loud clatter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Eventually, school fell aside.

The New Yorker

This recent bout started after three Southern candidates slipped or fell aside.

The New York Times

The curtain fell aside slightly at one point, giving the audience a very swift glimpse of her left breast.

The Guardian - Music

Yet all such considerations fell aside as so many irrelevancies in the wake of the indomitable thrust of Ms. Argerich's pianism.

The New York Times - Arts

For ten years that was my spiritual path, Carlos Castaneda and the shamanic journey, until I found Nisargadatta and everything else fell aside.

Huffington Post

But when a bogus claim raised a prospective danger, the more heavily a subject leaned toward policies linked to conservatism, the more likely his or her skepticism fell aside.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ultimately, all careful nomograms fall aside in the face of the particular patient.

The New York Times

All else -- the grand structural and symbolic meanings, the accretion of interpretations and political analyses -- falls aside, at least temporarily.

The New York Times - Books

One of the primary reasons angler numbers rise and fall, aside from natural human population changes, is the availability of fish.

The New York Times - Sports

"If convergence doesn't continue and if standards start to diverge, effectively the stock exchange's proposal will fall aside," he said.

The New York Times

(Opening the riesling's hardened beeswax seal is daunting. Point the worm on your corkscrew at the mouth's center, apply gentle pressure and turn slowly; the cap will splinter, and pieces will fall aside).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fell aside" when you want to express that something was no longer considered important or relevant, often due to changing circumstances or priorities. Make sure the subject is clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "fell aside" when you mean something literally tumbled or dropped to the side. This phrase is typically used to describe the abandonment of ideas, plans, or relationships, not physical objects. For literal falling, use "fell off" or "tumbled down" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fell aside" functions as a verb phrase, often used intransitively, meaning to be discarded, neglected, or no longer considered relevant. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts where priorities or considerations shifted, causing something to be set aside.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fell aside" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey the idea that something has been discarded, neglected, or lost its relevance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various types of communication. While the phrase is accurate, it’s important to avoid using it when referring to literal, physical falling actions. Alternatives like "was discarded", "was superseded", or "was neglected" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you intend to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was discarded

Indicates a more direct and intentional rejection or removal.

was superseded

Implies that something has been replaced by something newer or more effective.

was neglected

Suggests a lack of attention or care, leading to a decline or abandonment.

was dismissed

Implies that something was deemed unimportant or irrelevant and therefore disregarded.

was abandoned

Suggests a complete and often sudden cessation of use or support.

was shelved

Indicates a temporary postponement or deferral of consideration.

was relegated

Implies a demotion or assignment to a less important position or status.

was phased out

Suggests a gradual and planned removal or discontinuation.

was sidelined

Indicates being kept out of the main activity or focus.

became irrelevant

Focuses on the loss of importance or applicability over time.

FAQs

How can I use "fell aside" in a sentence?

You can use "fell aside" to indicate that something was no longer considered important or relevant, as in, "After the new evidence surfaced, the previous theories "fell aside"."

What does "fell aside" mean?

"Fell aside" means that something was disregarded, abandoned, or no longer considered important or relevant.

What are some alternatives to "fell aside"?

Some alternatives to "fell aside" include "was discarded", "was superseded", or "was neglected", depending on the specific context.

Is "fell aside" formal or informal?

"Fell aside" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in written or spoken language with a neutral tone.