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fall behind

Phrasal verb · B1

fall behind

Meaning

To fail to keep pace with work, payments, or others.

Example

She fell behind with the coursework after being ill.

When to use it

Pairs with "catch up": fall behind, then catch up.

Intermediate (B1): useful for everyday conversation.

Try "fall behind" in a sentence

Write two or three sentences with it. Nib checks the grammar and tells you if it sounds natural.

More phrasal verbs

back upTo support someone
break downTo stop working (machines)
bring upTo mention a topic
bump intoTo meet someone by chance
call offTo cancel something planned
carry onTo continue doing something
catch upTo reach the same level or position as others after falling behind
check outTo leave a hotel

See all 244 phrases →

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