is fallen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fallen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something has fallen or is in a state of having fallen, often in a literary or poetic sense. Example: "The kingdom is fallen, and its once-great walls now lie in ruins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Now he is fallen, and we are lost.

The Guardian - Sport

But he added, "Now he is fallen, and we are lost".

The New York Times - Sports

"He was created in the image of God, and he is fallen.

The New York Times - Magazine

Left the uninscribed stela which is fallen off the roof inside the chamber, stones, rubble from roof.

Harvard University

This means that the visible, phenomenal world is fallen and indeed a kind of prison cell, cage or cave.

The New York Times

Whatever its details, the essential theme of this mythology remains constant: the soul is fallen, entangled with evil matter, and then liberated by the spirit or nous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The mercury is falling.

The New York Times

Their membership is falling.

The Economist

Production is falling.

The Economist

Though it is falling.

The New York Times

Investment is falling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is fallen" to evoke a sense of formality or to align with traditional or literary styles. It is suitable for discussing historical events, moral states, or abstract concepts where a sense of gravity is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "is fallen" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for more common alternatives like "has fallen" or "is down" to maintain a natural and contemporary tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is fallen" is to act as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of being that has resulted from a past action. This usage is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where "is fallen" often describes a current condition resulting from a previous event or decline. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is fallen" is grammatically sound and correctly used, although it leans towards formality and a more traditional style. While it's deemed correct by Ludwig, its frequency of use in modern, everyday language is less common compared to alternatives like "has fallen". It is particularly fitting in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts where a sense of historical gravity or significant change is being conveyed. When aiming for a contemporary tone, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has fallen

Uses the auxiliary verb "has" to form the present perfect tense, indicating a completed action.

is in a fallen state

Emphasizes the current condition resulting from a past fall or decline.

is now ruined

Focuses on the current state of being ruined after a previous state of wholeness.

exists in a ruined condition

Highlights the state of being ruined or destroyed.

is brought low

Indicates a reduction in status or position.

lies in ruin

A more poetic and descriptive way to express a state of ruin.

has succumbed

Implies yielding to a negative force or influence.

is currently defeated

Indicates a present state of defeat, especially in competitive contexts.

is overthrown

Describes a state of being removed from power or authority.

is in decline

Suggests an ongoing process of deterioration or weakening.

FAQs

How does the meaning of "is fallen" differ from "has fallen"?

While both phrases describe something that has fallen, "is fallen" often carries a sense of completed or ongoing state resulting from the fall, whereas "has fallen" simply indicates the action has occurred. "Is fallen" often appears in more formal or literary contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "is fallen" instead of "has fallen"?

"Is fallen" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the resultant state of something that has fallen, often in a formal or literary context. For example, describing the state of a ruined city: "The city "is fallen"."

What are some alternatives to "is fallen" in modern English?

In contemporary English, alternatives to "is fallen" include "has fallen", "is down", or "is ruined" depending on the specific context. These options are generally more common and natural-sounding in modern usage.

Is "is fallen" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is fallen" is grammatically correct, though it might sound archaic or formal to some modern English speakers. It's a passive construction using "is" as a linking verb and "fallen" as a past participle.