Phrasal verb
fall for
Meanings
to be deceived or tricked into believing something false
to start to like or love someone in a romantic way
Definition
To fall for someone or something is to be tricked by it or to start liking or loving someone.
Fall for is a common phrasal verb with two main everyday meanings. It can mean to believe a trick, lie, or scam, even though it is not true. It can also mean to begin to feel romantic attraction or love for someone. The meaning is usually clear from context.
Examples
- I fell for his apology and later realized he wasn’t sincere.
- She fell for a classmate during their group project.
- They didn’t fall for the prank because they saw the camera.
- He fell for her after months of working together.
- You nearly fell for that fake message, but you checked the sender first.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "fall in" someone instead of "fall for" someone when talking about romantic attraction.
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.