Phrasal verbs "fall over" vs "fall under"

Differences between fall over and fall under

The main difference between fall over and fall under is that fall over means to lose balance and collapse or topple over, while fall under means to be categorized or classified as part of a particular group or subject to a specific rule or authority.

Meanings and Definitions: fall over vs fall under

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fall over

• 1. Fall on the ground.

  I slipped on the ice and FELL OVER.

Fall under

• 1. Become controlled.

  At first he was independent, but then he FELL UNDER their influence.

Usage Examples: fall over, fall under in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fall over

Example

Be careful not to fall over when walking on the slippery floor.

Example

She often falls over when wearing high heels.

fall under

Example

This new regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the local government.

Example

The responsibility for this task falls under her department.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fall over

trip over

To stumble or lose balance due to an obstacle or uneven surface.

Example

She tripped over the curb and fell onto the pavement.

take a spill

To fall or tumble down suddenly and unexpectedly.

Example

He took a spill while skateboarding and scraped his knee.

lose one's footing

To slip or stumble and lose balance while walking or standing.

Example

She lost her footing on the wet floor and fell down the stairs.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fall under

come under

To be subjected to or affected by a particular rule, law, or authority.

Example

This project comes under the jurisdiction of the city council and must follow their regulations.

be classified as

To be categorized or grouped according to specific criteria or characteristics.

Example

This book is classified as science fiction and appeals to fans of the genre.

be subject to

To be under the authority or control of a particular person, organization, or system.

Example

All employees are subject to the company's code of conduct and must adhere to its guidelines.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fall”

• fall for
• fall in with
• fall out
• fall apart
• fall about

Phrasal Verbs with “over”

• fawn over
• sleep over
• sit over
• bring over
• chew over

Phrasal Verbs with “under”

• go under
• knuckle under
• buckle under
• be snowed under
• labour under

Differences in fall over vs fall under: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fall over or fall under?

In everyday conversation, fall over is more common than fall under. This is because fall over is used to describe physical actions that happen frequently, such as tripping or stumbling. On the other hand, fall under is used in more specific contexts, such as legal or academic settings.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fall over and fall under

Fall under is more formal than fall over. It is often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts where precision and accuracy are essential. Fall over, on the other hand, is an informal phrase that is suitable for casual conversations with friends and family.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fall over and fall under

The tone of fall over and fall under can differ based on context. Fall over often carries a humorous or lighthearted tone when referring to minor accidents or mishaps, while fall under typically has a serious or formal tone, especially when referring to legal or academic matters.

fall over & fall under: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fall over

Synonyms

• tumble
• topple
• stumble
• trip
• collapse
• plunge

Antonyms

• rise
• recover
• stand up
• get up
• regain balance

Fall under

Synonyms

• come under
• be subject to
• be controlled by
• be governed by
• be influenced by
• be affected by

Antonyms

• break free
• gain independence
• resist control
• overcome influence
• assert autonomy