1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To begin spending time with a group of people, especially by chance and often with negative implications.
"He fell in with the wrong crowd at college and started skipping classes regularly."
inseparable
fall in with
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To start associating with a group of people, or to agree to a plan or suggestion.
In plain English
To start spending time with a group of people, or to agree to someone's plan.
What does "fall in with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To agree to or accept a plan, suggestion, or course of action.
"Surprisingly, the board fell in with the director's unconventional proposal without much debate."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fall so as to land alongside others — joining their position.
Actually means
To start spending time with a group of people, or to agree to someone's plan.
Usage tip
When used with people, 'fall in with' often carries a negative connotation — the group is bad or has a negative influence. When used with plans or suggestions, it is neutral and means to agree or comply. Context makes the sense clear.
Words that pair with "fall in with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
a crowd bad company a gang a plan a scheme the idea thieves
How to conjugate "fall in with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fall in with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls in with
he/she/it
Past simple
fell in with
yesterday
Past participle
fallen in with
have + pp
-ing form
falling in with
continuous
Hear "fall in with" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fall in with"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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