starts to fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts to fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of a decline or decrease in something, such as temperature, prices, or physical objects. Example: "As autumn approaches, the leaves on the trees start to fall, creating a beautiful carpet of colors on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rain starts to fall, slowly but steadily.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet they serve her well when "twilight" starts to fall.

Independent

Consequently, the network that fashions reality starts to fall apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It all starts to fall together," Mr. Goodrich said.

The New York Times

The crew dons anoraks as rain starts to fall.

The New York Times - Arts

And then my hair starts to fall from my head.

The Guardian - Books

Disappointingly, though, the production starts to fall apart at around this point.

Independent

If you take one piece out, the story starts to fall apart".

The New York Times

Of course, the problem is, when the variance is big, your belief starts to fall.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If a stock starts to fall, they bail out, accelerating the decline.

The New York Times

It is likely to burn until September when temperatures drop and snow starts to fall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starts to fall" to clearly indicate the beginning of a decline or decrease. This phrase is effective for describing changes in weather, physical conditions, or abstract concepts.

Common error

In academic or professional contexts, consider stronger, more precise verbs like "declines", "decreases", or "diminishes" for enhanced clarity and impact. While "starts to fall" is acceptable, more formal alternatives often elevate the writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts to fall" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a downward movement or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts to fall" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the beginning of a downward trend, descent, or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and its frequency across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, writers should consider more formal synonyms like "begins to decline" or "commences to drop" in academic or professional contexts. The phrase serves to inform about a change in state, and its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins to decline

Focuses on a gradual decrease or weakening, suitable for abstract concepts like influence or performance.

commences to drop

Emphasizes a downward movement or reduction, applicable to tangible items or measurable quantities.

initiates its descent

Suggests the start of a downward journey or process, often used in a more formal or dramatic context.

begins to diminish

Highlights a reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

starts to wane

Implies a gradual decrease in power, influence, or prominence, often associated with cycles or phases.

begins to crumble

Suggests a loss of integrity or stability, suitable for structures or systems.

commences to fail

Highlights the onset of unsuccessful performance or operation.

starts to plummet

Emphasizes a rapid and significant decrease, often used for values or quantities.

begins to sink

Highlights a downward movement into a liquid or a metaphorical decline.

commences to erode

Suggests a gradual wearing away or deterioration, applicable to physical objects or abstract concepts.

FAQs

What does the phrase "starts to fall" mean?

The phrase "starts to fall" indicates the beginning of a downward trend, a physical descent, or a decline in condition or quality.

What are some alternatives to "starts to fall"?

You can use alternatives such as "begins to decline", "commences to drop", or "initiates its descent depending on the context.

How can I use "starts to fall" in a sentence?

Example: "As autumn approaches, the temperature "starts to fall"." Another example: "If a stock "starts to fall", they bail out, accelerating the decline."

Is "starts to fall" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "starts to fall" might be considered less formal. For academic or professional writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "begins to decrease" or "commences to decline".