fell down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fell down" is correct and can be used in written English, as in the following example: "The ladder suddenly fell down, so I had to find another way to reach the top shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It just fell down".

The New York Times

(Dunbar practically fell down).

The New Yorker

The dog fell down dead.

The New Yorker

I fell down some stairs.

The New Yorker

Some of them fell down.

The New York Times - Magazine

It fell down behind me".

The New Yorker

And then she fell down".

The New York Times

The museum idea fell down.

Independent

You fell down.

The New York Times

"My daughter fell down.

The New York Times

It fell down?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fell down" to describe a physical fall, failure of a plan, or decline in condition. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "fell down" when a more specific verb like "collapsed", "stumbled", or "plummeted" would provide a clearer and more vivid description of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fell down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating a movement from an upright position to the ground or a lower level. It can also describe the failure or collapse of something, as seen in Ludwig examples where "houses" and "the museum idea" "fell down". According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fell down" is a versatile phrasal verb primarily used to describe a physical fall or the failure of something, as affirmed by Ludwig. It enjoys widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, maintaining a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability in written English. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, and consider more specific verbs for enhanced clarity. With its frequent usage and clear meaning, "fell down" remains a reliable phrase in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tripped and fell

Specifically indicates a stumble as the cause of the fall.

toppled over

Emphasizes the act of losing balance and falling sideways.

tumbled

Implies a rolling or uncontrolled fall.

stumbled

Similar to "tripped", but can also imply a more general lack of balance.

collapsed

Suggests a sudden loss of structure or support, leading to a fall.

lost balance

Focuses on the loss of equilibrium preceding a potential fall.

took a spill

An informal way to describe falling, often implying a minor accident.

plummeted

Indicates a rapid and uncontrolled descent.

succumbed

Implies yielding to pressure or force, resulting in a fall or failure.

crashed

Suggests a forceful impact upon falling.

FAQs

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

The phrase "fell down" can be used to describe a physical fall, such as "The child "fell down" while running". It can also describe the failure of a plan or system, like "The project "fell down" due to lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to saying "fell down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "collapsed", "tripped", "tumbled", or "failed". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "fall down" instead of "fell down"?

"Fall down" is the present tense form, while ""fell down"" is the past tense. Use "fall down" for present or future actions and ""fell down"" for past actions.

What is the difference between "fell down" and "broken down"?

While both phrases describe a failure, ""fell down"" typically refers to a physical fall or the failure of a plan, while "broken down" usually refers to the malfunction of a machine or system.