Phrasal verb
fall behind
Meanings
to become late or not keep up with a schedule, work, or responsibilities
to move or progress more slowly than others in a group or competition
Definition
To fall behind means to become late or slower than others, or to not keep up with what is required.
If you fall behind, you fail to keep the same pace as other people or as a schedule. It can refer to being physically or competitively behind, or to not completing work and duties on time. It often implies that you need extra effort or time to catch up.
Examples
- I fell behind on my emails during the conference.
- You’ll fall behind if you skip practice all week.
- He fell behind in the race after he tied his shoe.
- She fell behind on the reading when her internet went out.
- They fell behind the group on the hike and took a short break.
Common mistake
Learners often say "fall behind from" instead of the correct patterns "fall behind in/on/with" depending on the context.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.