What are the definitions of “fall for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be attracted to somebody, fall in love.
He FELL FOR her the moment their eyes met.
- 2Believe a lie or a piece of deception.
He FELL FOR my story and allowed me yet another extension for the submission of my thesis.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fall for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fall for is to be attracted to someone or fall in love with them. It is often used to describe the beginning of a romantic relationship or the moment when someone starts to have strong feelings for another person.
What are the different verb forms of “fall for”?
| Root Verb | fall for |
| Third Person Singular Present | falls for |
| Present Participle | falling for |
| Simple Past | fell for |
| Past Participle | fallen for |
Example
I fall for people with a good sense of humor.
Example
She falls for kind and caring people.
Example
He is falling for his new coworker.
Example
They fell for each other during their vacation.
Example
She had fallen for him before she even realized it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fall for”?
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 for” 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
I fell for her the moment I saw her.
Example
He fell for the scam and lost his money.
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 for” 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
I fell for her the moment I saw her.
Example
He fell for the scam and lost his money.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fall for”?
Good things to know
Does “fall for” have an informal or formal tone?
Fall for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as literature or professional writing.
