What are the definitions of “fall about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Laugh a lot.
We FELL ABOUT when we heard what she'd done.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fall about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fall about is to laugh a lot or uncontrollably. It is often used when something is very funny or amusing.
What are the different verb forms of “fall about”?
| Root Verb | fall about |
| Third Person Singular Present | falls about |
| Present Participle | falling about |
| Simple Past | fell about |
| Past Participle | fallen about |
Example
They always fall about when they watch their favorite comedy show.
Example
She falls about every time she hears a good joke.
Example
Everyone was falling about during the hilarious performance.
Example
We fell about when we heard what she'd done.
Example
They had fallen about laughing at the funny story.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fall about”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“fall about” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The audience fell about laughing.
Example
He fell about when he saw the funny video.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fall about” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The audience fell about laughing.
Example
He fell about when he saw the funny video.
Good things to know
Does “fall about” have an informal or formal tone?
Fall about is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or writing.
