Ever stumbled on the grammar of “fall down”? Wondering if it’s fell, fallen, or something else? Let’s break down the past tense of “fall down” with easy examples you won’t forget.
What’s the past tense of “fall down”?
The past tense of “fall down” is “fell down.” It’s the simple past form used to show something happened already. Use it when talking about events that occurred before now.
Why the past tense is “fell down”
We say “fell down” because “fall” is an irregular verb. Irregular verbs don’t follow the usual rules. That’s why it’s not “falled down.”
What’s the past tense of “fall”?
The past tense of “fall” is “fell.” Just like “fall down,” it shows a completed action in the past. For example: Yesterday, she fell.
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Verb tenses of fall
Fall has three main forms: fall (present), fell (past), and fallen (past participle). These forms help describe when the action happened. Each one is used differently.
When to use fell vs. fallen
Use “fell” for simple past. Use “fallen” with “has,” “have,” or “had.” Example: She fell yesterday. She has fallen before.
“Fall” / “Fell” / “Fallen” used in sentences
- I fall every time I run fast.
- He fell last night while walking.
- They have fallen from grace.
What does the phrase “fall down” mean?
Fall down means to lose balance and drop to the ground. It’s often physical but can also be metaphorical. Like, a plan can “fall down.”
A Simple Tense Table
Tense | Verb Form | Example |
Present | fall | I fall often. |
Past | fell | He fell yesterday. |
Past Participle | fallen | She has fallen many times. |
Origin of the phrase “fall down”
The phrase “fall down” dates back centuries. It’s a natural combo of “fall” + “down.” Used often in both physical and figurative ways.
Origin of the word fall
Fall comes from Old English “feallan.” It means to drop or descend. It’s been in English for over a thousand years.
Usage Examples
- Kids fall down while playing.
- He fell down the stairs.
- They have fallen in battle.
Using “fall down” and “fell down” in sentences
Use “fall down” in present tense: I fall down often.
Use “fell down” in past tense: She fell down hard.
It all depends on when it happened.
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Sentences using “Fall Down” (Present)
- I always fall down at the same spot.
- You fall down if you don’t watch your step.
- They fall down for fun.
Sentences using “Fell Down” (Past)
- He fell down after slipping.
- She fell down during the race.
- We all fell down laughing.
Practice questions: verb forms of ‘fall’
- I always ___ on ice. (fall)
- She ___ last night. (fell)
- They have ___ many times. (fallen)
Synonyms & Alternatives
Different words can replace “fall” depending on context. Here’s a list:
Synonyms of “fall down” and “fell down”
- Trip
- Stumble
- Collapse
Synonyms for “Fall Down”
- Tumble
- Slip
- Drop
The Synonyms for “Fell Down” (Past Tense)
- Collapsed
- Tripped
- Stumbled
Synonyms of fall
- Descend
- Plummet
- Drop
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Conclusion
The past of fall down is fell down, and it’s easy to use once you see the pattern. Remember: fall now, fell then, fallen before. Keep these simple forms in mind to avoid confusion.
FAQ’S
Is “fell down” correct?
Yes, it’s the simple past form of “fall down.”
When do I use “fallen”?
Use it with “has/have/had” for completed past actions.
Can I say “falled”?
No, “fall” is irregular. The correct past tense is “fell.”
Are “fall” and “fall down” the same?
Similar, but “fall down” emphasizes downward motion.
What’s the easiest way to remember?
Think: fall (now), fell (yesterday), fallen (before).
Joulia, a seasoned wordsmith and grammar enthusiast, brings over a decade of blogging expertise to Grammar Tune. With a keen eye for linguistic precision and a passion for making complex grammar concepts accessible, he has helped thousands of readers enhance their writing skills. His engaging teaching style and practical approach to language learning have made him a trusted voice in the online grammar community.