fall about
B2Informal, colloquial.
Definition
Meaning
To laugh uncontrollably and visibly; to be overcome with laughter, often involving physical reactions.
To react with great, convulsive amusement; often implying a loss of bodily control due to the intensity of the laughter.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a phrasal verb with figurative meaning. Almost exclusively used in the progressive tense. Describes a reaction, not a voluntary action. Often conveys a sense of shared hilarity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is predominantly British. While understood in American English, it is far less common.
Connotations
In BrE, it is a standard, vivid informal expression. In AmE, it may sound distinctly British or quaint.
Frequency
High frequency in British informal speech; low to occasional frequency in American English, where "crack up," "die laughing," or "roll on the floor laughing" are more typical.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + be + falling about (+ laughing) (+ [prepositional phrase])[Subject] + fell about (+ laughing) (+ [prepositional phrase])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fall about laughing”
- “fall about the place”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Only in extremely informal team settings describing a humorous moment.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation among friends and family to describe hilarious situations.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We were all falling about when he told that story.
- She fell about laughing at his impression of the boss.
American English
- When he tripped over his own shoelaces, we just about fell about.
- They fell about at the comedian's absurd punchline.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children fell about when the clown made a funny face.
- His joke was so silly that everyone fell about laughing.
- The comedian's anecdote about his cat had the entire audience falling about.
- The satirical sketch was so acutely observed that we were practically falling about in our seats, much to the bemusement of the foreign guests.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone laughing so hard they literally FALL to the floor and roll ABOUT. The image captures the loss of control.
Conceptual Metaphor
AMUSEMENT IS A PHYSICAL COLLAPSE / LAUGHTER IS A FORCE THAT KNOCKS YOU OVER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'падать вокруг' – it is nonsense. The phrase is idiomatic. Do not confuse with 'fall around' which is not standard.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in simple present tense ('I fall about') – it's almost always used in past or continuous forms. Using it without 'laughing' or a clear context of amusement.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fall about' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly an informal, colloquial expression. Use 'laughed uproariously' or 'were convulsed with laughter' in formal writing.
It is understood but is perceived as a Britishism. Americans are more likely to say 'crack up,' 'die laughing,' or 'ROFL.'
No, but it is very frequently used in the phrase 'fall about laughing.' The context must make it clear that laughter is involved.
'Burst out laughing' describes the sudden start of laughter. 'Fall about' emphasises the ongoing, uncontrollable, and physical nature of the laughter.