What are the definitions of “fall out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Argue and be on bad terms with someone.
They FELL OUT over the decision and hardly speak to each other any more.
- 2Lose hair.
He's started getting worried about baldness because his hair is FALLING OUT rather quickly.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fall out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fall out is to have a disagreement or argument with someone, which leads to a negative relationship or not speaking to each other. For example, friends can fall out over a misunderstanding, or family members can fall out due to a disagreement.
What are the different verb forms of “fall out”?
| Root Verb | fall out |
| Third Person Singular Present | falls out |
| Present Participle | falling out |
| Simple Past | fell out |
| Past Participle | fallen out |
Example
They always fall out over small issues.
Example
She falls out with her sister quite often.
Example
They are falling out over the decision right now.
Example
We fell out last year and haven't spoken since.
Example
They had fallen out over money matters.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fall out”?
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 out” 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
They fell out over the decision.
Example
She fell out with her best friend.
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 out” 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
They fell out over the decision.
Example
She fell out with her best friend.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fall out”?
Good things to know
Does “fall out” have an informal or formal tone?
Fall out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be appropriate in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
