it fell behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it fell behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has not kept pace or has lagged in comparison to others or a schedule. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project fell behind schedule, causing delays in the overall timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Meanwhile, L.S.U. was almost uninterrupted in its clumsiness as it fell behind, 24-0.

The New York Times - Sports

Apparently, Seton Hall learned nothing from its previous game when it fell behind by 25 points to Rider before rallying to a 78-66 victory.

The New York Times - Sports

The lunar module, or LM (pronounced lem), was dubbed "Eagle". Its 1969 computer, overtaxed during the descent and flashing alarm lights as it fell behind on its work, guided the spiderlike craft most of the way to the surface.

The Washington Post

"They've got a pretty profound problem," said Lawrence Halloran, staff director of the House Subcommittee on National Security, which investigated BioPort after it fell behind in its efforts to provide the vaccine to the military.

The New York Times

In 1999, the fund led its category with a 65percentt return, but a year later, it fell behind, dropping 27percentt.

The New York Times

When it fell behind by 25-18, calledGeno auriemma called a timeout.

The New York Times - Sports

The much-hyped game was epic only in Dallas's stunningly listless collapse as it fell behind, 21-0.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Ryan Hall, the 2008 trials winner, set a searing early pace but could not hold it, falling behind in the 25th mile and taking second in 2 09 30.

The New York Times - Sports

Calpers said no, fearing that if Stockton fell behind, it might never catch up.

The New York Times

It the second set Murray fell behind 3-1 as Gulbis unleashed some heavy hitting.

Independent

Greece has some cause for embarrassment, as it falls behind many European hopefuls.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "It lagged behind" might suggest a slower pace, while "it lost ground" might emphasize a loss of position.

Common error

Avoid using "it fell behind" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it fell behind" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of lagging or failing to maintain pace with something else. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts like sports, economics, and technology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it fell behind" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of lagging or failing to keep pace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appears across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to. Consider alternatives like "it lagged behind" or "it trailed behind" to fine-tune the nuance you intend to convey. Avoid ambiguity by ensuring a clear antecedent for "it". By understanding its function and considering alternative expressions, you can effectively use "it fell behind" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lagged behind

Replaces "fell" with "lagged", indicating a slower pace of falling behind.

it trailed behind

Substitutes "fell" with "trailed", suggesting a more passive following at a distance.

it was outpaced

Changes the structure to passive voice, focusing on being surpassed by others.

it lost ground

Emphasizes the loss of progress or position relative to others.

it was surpassed

Focuses on being overtaken or exceeded in performance.

it couldn't keep up

Highlights the inability to maintain the same speed or progress.

it was overtaken

Similar to "it was surpassed", but implies a more active overtaking.

it declined

Suggests a general decrease in performance or status.

it deteriorated

Indicates a worsening condition or a decline in quality.

it was left behind

Highlights being abandoned or outstripped by others.

FAQs

How can I use "it fell behind" in a sentence?

You can use "it fell behind" to describe a situation where something failed to keep pace or lagged in comparison to others. For example, "The project fell behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "it fell behind"?

You can use alternatives like "it lagged behind", "it trailed behind", or "it was outpaced" depending on the specific context.

Is "it fell behind" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it fell behind" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is widely understood.

What's the difference between "it fell behind" and "it was left behind"?

"It fell behind" suggests a gradual lagging or failure to keep pace, while "it was left behind" implies a more definitive separation or abandonment. The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.