it falls on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it falls on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate responsibility or duty that is assigned to someone or something. Example: "The success of the project falls on the shoulders of the team leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(If you want it messy, don't worry if it falls on one side or collapses).

WikiHow

You've got to have some insulation from it, in case it falls on its face".

The New Yorker

When a click beetle is touched, it falls on its back and plays dead.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If it falls on its face they might have to do some more restructuring".

The New York Times

He said with a chuckle, "Even if it falls on its face".

The New York Times - Arts

They get their commission and they don't care if it falls on its face".

Los Angeles Times

This year it falls on November 28th.

The Economist

And then it falls on you.

The New York Times

It falls on our shoulders".

The New York Times - Sports

"It falls on my shoulders," Edwards said.

The New York Times - Sports

It falls on the nearest available mother.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more formal or direct alternative, such as "it is up to" or "the responsibility rests with", would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it falls on" in situations where the responsibility is shared or unclear. Instead, clarify the specific roles and obligations of each party involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it falls on" functions as a declarative expression, primarily to assign responsibility, duty, or obligation to a specific individual or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct. Examples show how it's used to indicate where the onus lies in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it falls on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to assign responsibility or obligation. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is valid across various contexts. While it appears most commonly in news and media, its versatility allows it to fit into everyday conversations as well. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject bearing the responsibility is clearly stated to avoid any ambiguity. If context demands greater formality, consider alternatives such as "it is incumbent upon" or "the responsibility rests with."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is up to

A more direct way of stating responsibility.

it is assigned to

Directly states that something has been allocated.

the onus is on

Emphasizes the burden of proof or responsibility.

responsibility is placed on

Highlights the act of assigning responsibility.

the responsibility rests with

Formally indicates where responsibility lies.

the burden lies with

Emphasizes the weight of the responsibility.

it is incumbent upon

Formal alternative emphasizing a duty or obligation.

it is the duty of

Highlights a formal or moral obligation.

it devolves to

Indicates that responsibility is passed down.

it is the concern of

Indicates that something is someone's problem to deal with.

FAQs

How can I use "it falls on" in a sentence?

You can use "it falls on" to indicate where a responsibility or duty lies. For example, "It falls on the manager to ensure the project is completed on time."

What can I say instead of "it falls on"?

You can use alternatives like "it is up to", "the responsibility lies with", or "it is incumbent upon" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it falls on me" or "the responsibility falls on me"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the responsibility falls on me" is more formal and emphasizes the weight of the obligation, while "it falls on me" is more direct and common.

What's the difference between "it falls on" and "it relies on"?

"It falls on" indicates a duty or responsibility, whereas "it relies on" indicates a dependency. For example, "The success of the mission falls on the team leader" (responsibility), versus "The project relies on funding" (dependency).