to befall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to befall" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that happens or occurs, often in a negative or unfortunate context. Example: "Misfortune seemed to befall him at every turn, leaving him feeling hopeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We wouldn't want the same fate to befall Jakwob.

The Guardian - Music

I know of no major disaster to befall her patients.

The New York Times - Health

"God spared him the tragedy to befall New York City.

The New York Times

It is but one of many setbacks to befall Cran.

The Guardian

It is not a fate likely to befall Pan Hejun.

The Guardian

I will never stand over the ball without considering the disaster about to befall me.

The New Yorker

Is it possible for such luck to befall Meituan's "prizes" this Chinese New Year?

The New Yorker

The player's death is the latest in a series of tragedies to befall the Morosini family.

Independent

This is a fate that ought to befall more writers' homes.

The New York Times

This is an unfair and terrible fate to befall the majestic and extremely delicious shrimp.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was without question the worst military disaster ever to befall the British Empire.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to befall" to describe events, especially negative ones, that impact individuals or entities. It adds a slightly formal or literary tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to befall" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or archaic in contexts that don't warrant such formality.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to befall" primarily functions as a verb, typically used with an auxiliary verb (e.g., "is to befall", "was about to befall"). It indicates that something will happen or occur to someone or something, often with a sense of inevitability or misfortune. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to befall" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that conveys the idea of something happening, often negative, to someone or something. While versatile, it is generally best suited for formal or literary contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, carrying a slightly formal or archaic tone. When aiming for everyday conversation, consider simpler alternatives. Its frequent appearance in news and media underscores its relevance in describing significant or impactful events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to befall someone

Reiterates the original meaning with explicit indication of who is affected.

to happen to

Emphasizes the experience of the subject receiving the action, slightly more direct.

to fall upon

Implies a sudden or forceful impact, often negative, more dramatic.

to overtake

Suggests something catching up and surpassing, often used for negative outcomes.

to occur to

Often refers to an idea or thought coming to someone, less focused on misfortune.

to be subjected to

Implies a forced or unwilling exposure to something, broader application.

to come about

Suggests a process or sequence of events leading to the occurrence, less immediate.

to be inflicted on

Implies a deliberate or malicious act causing harm, more accusatory.

to be visited upon

Suggests a divine or supernatural cause, more archaic and literary.

to experience

A more general term for undergoing something, lacks the negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "to befall" in a sentence?

The phrase "to befall" is used to describe something that happens to someone, often something unfortunate. For example, "Misfortune seemed "to befall" him at every turn."

What are some alternatives to "to befall"?

You can use alternatives like "to happen to", "to occur to", or "to fall upon" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "to befall" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "to befall" is more suited for formal writing or storytelling. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives like "happen to" or "occur to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to befall" and "to affect"?

"To befall" typically refers to an event that happens to someone, often negative, while "to affect" means to have an influence on something. "To befall" focuses on the occurrence of an event, whereas "to affect" focuses on the impact of something.