Quick Definition
Fall Behind — To make less progress than expected or than others; to fail to keep up with payments, work, or a schedule.
Meanings of Fall Behind
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Progress more slowly than others | She fell behind the rest of the class. | Her pace was slower; others moved ahead. |
| Not keep up with a schedule | The project has fallen behind schedule. | The work is taking longer than planned. |
| Fail to make payments on time | They fell behind with their rent. | Payments were missed or delayed. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| He fell behind on his coursework during the holidays. | He did not complete work at the expected pace. |
| Don't let yourself fall behind — it's hard to catch up later. | Warning about losing pace with a group or schedule. |
| The company has fallen behind its competitors. | Competitors have progressed faster. |
| She fell behind with her mortgage payments. | She missed several mortgage instalments. |
| If you miss classes, you'll quickly fall behind. | Absence causes you to lose progress. |
| The runners at the back were already falling behind after the first lap. | Physical pace: losing ground in a race. |
| He always falls behind when there's too much work. | A habitual pattern of failing to keep up. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: Inseparable | Transitivity: Intransitive
Inseparable & intransitive: Fall behind has no direct object. To specify what you are falling behind on, use the prepositions with, on, or in:
Correct: fall behind with payments / fall behind on the project / fall behind in class
Incorrect: fall payments behind
Tense note: Often used in perfect tenses: has/have fallen behind, had fallen behind.
How to Use Fall Behind
Neutral register. Common in spoken English, academic contexts, business reports, and everyday writing. Suitable for all audiences.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Formal / Written | The deliverables have fallen behind the agreed timeline. |
| Neutral / Professional | We are falling behind on this quarter's targets. |
| Informal / Spoken | I fell behind in maths — I need extra help. |
| Financial / Legal | Customers who fall behind with payments will be contacted. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Fall Behind
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Fall Behind
What does "fall behind" mean?
"Fall behind" means to make less progress than expected or than other people, or to fail to keep up with payments, work, or a schedule. For example: She fell behind in her studies. It is an inseparable intransitive phrasal verb at CEFR B1.
Is "fall behind" separable or inseparable?
"Fall behind" is inseparable. You cannot place an object between "fall" and "behind". When used with an object, add "with" or "on": fall behind with payments, fall behind on the schedule.
How do I use "fall behind" in a sentence?
He fell behind the other runners after the first kilometre. She is falling behind with her rent payments. Use "with", "on", or "in" to specify what area you are falling behind in.
What is the register of "fall behind"?
"Fall behind" is neutral. It is common in both spoken and written English — in everyday conversation, academic contexts, and professional reports. "Lag behind" is a slightly more formal alternative.
What CEFR level is "fall behind"?
"Fall behind" is a B1 — Intermediate phrasal verb. Learners at this level encounter it frequently in academic, work, and everyday contexts when discussing progress and schedules.
What is the difference between "fall behind" and "lag behind"?
"Fall behind" is neutral and very common in everyday speech. "Lag behind" is slightly more formal and emphasises a persistent or significant gap, often used in reports and news articles.
Can "fall behind" be used formally?
Yes. "Fall behind" is acceptable in formal writing: The project has fallen behind schedule. In academic or business contexts, "lag behind" or "fail to keep pace with" may be used for variety.
Does "fall behind" take an object?
"Fall behind" is intransitive and does not take a direct object. To specify what you are falling behind on, use a prepositional phrase: fall behind with rent, fall behind on payments, fall behind in class.
How can I practise "fall behind"?
Use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Find the Match exercises to practise "fall behind" in real sentence contexts. Seeing it alongside "fall apart" and "catch up" helps you understand the contrast.
Is "fall behind" used differently in British and American English?
"Fall behind" is used identically in British and American English. Both use "fall behind on" and "fall behind with", though "fall behind with" (especially for payments) is slightly more common in British English.