fall away
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To gradually become smaller, weaker, or less significant; to diminish or disappear.
To cease to support someone or something; to decline in standard or condition; to become detached or separate from something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A phrasal verb that describes a process of gradual decline, reduction, or separation. It often implies an erosion or weakening over time rather than a sudden stop.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it similarly, though it is slightly more common in UK English in certain metaphorical contexts (e.g., describing landscape).
Connotations
Neutral to slightly negative, implying loss, decline, or failure to maintain a standard.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both, more common in written texts than casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Something] falls away.[Something] falls away from [something].Support/Demand falls away.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The ground fell away beneath our feet.”
- “His courage fell away at the crucial moment.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Demand for the product fell away sharply after the price increase.
Academic
In the later chapters, the author's argument begins to fall away.
Everyday
Her initial enthusiasm for the project soon fell away.
Technical
The coastal cliffs are unstable and prone to fall away into the sea.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Support for the policy began to fall away after the scandal.
- The coastline here is crumbling; great chunks of rock fall away into the sea every year.
American English
- Attendance at the meetings fell away over the summer.
- As we climbed, the trees fell away below us, revealing a stunning view.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old paint is starting to fall away from the door.
- Her shyness fell away once she started making friends.
- Investor confidence fell away following the poor financial results.
- In the final stages of the race, the lead runner saw his rivals fall away one by one.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of autumn leaves FALLing AWAY from a tree, gradually decreasing until none are left.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECLINE IS A FALLING MOTION; WEAKNESS IS LACK OF SUPPORT (e.g., support falls away).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'упасть прочь'. Consider 'ослабевать', 'снижаться', 'отпадать'.
- Do not confuse with 'fall apart' (разваливаться) or 'fall off' (снижаться резко).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fall down' instead of 'fall away' for gradual decline.
- Incorrect: *'The quality fell away the table.' Correct: 'The quality fell away.' or 'Peeling paint fell away from the wall.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'fall away' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'fall it away'.
They are similar but 'fall away' often implies a more gradual, sustained decline or a separation from a main body, while 'fall off' can imply a sharper, more abrupt drop.
Yes, metaphorically (e.g., 'supporters fell away') or literally (e.g., 'runners fell away from the lead group').
It is neutral, suitable for both formal writing and everyday conversation.