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fall into

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To drop into something, or to start doing or being something without really planning it.

Literal meaning: To fall so as to enter a space physically — dropping down inside something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To drop or tumble physically into a space or body of water.

"He slipped on the riverbank and fell into the water."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To begin a state, habit, or pattern without deliberate intention.

"After university, she fell into a comfortable routine of coffee shops and freelance writing."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To be classifiable within a particular group or category.

"This species falls into the category of endangered mammals."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

To come under someone's control or possession, often with negative connotations.

"We must ensure these documents do not fall into the wrong hands."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very versatile. Common in physical, figurative, and classificatory uses. 'Fall into a routine', 'fall into a trap', 'fall into the wrong hands', and 'fall into a category' are all frequent collocations. The figurative senses are especially common in B1–B2 speech.

Commonly used with

a routine a trap a category a pattern debt hands place

Forms

Base
fall into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls into
he/she/it
Past simple
fell into
yesterday
Past participle
fallen into
have + pp
-ing form
falling into
continuous

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Synonyms

enter drift into slip into be classified as descend into end up in

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