fall into

To move down into a place or container because nothing is holding you up.

• Do not fall into the pool.
• Her phone fell into the sink.
• He slipped and fell into a shallow hole.

How to use it: fall into something (My keys fell into the drain.)

Similar words: drop into, tumble into

Common phrases: fall into water, fall into something, fall into holes

To begin to be in a particular condition, often a bad one.

• The room fell into silence.
• She fell into debt after losing her job.
• The patient fell into a coma during the night.

How to use it: fall into + noun (The empty house fell into disrepair.)

Similar words: enter, slip into

Common phrases: fall into debt, fall into disrepair, fall into silence

To belong to a particular group or type.

• These animals fall into two groups.
• Your application falls into a different category.
• Which age range does she fall into?

How to use it: fall into + group or category (These books fall into three broad categories.)

Similar words: belong to, come under, fall under

Common phrases: fall into categories, fall into groups, fall into something

To start doing a job or activity without planning to do it.

• I just fell into this job.
• She fell into acting while studying history.
• Did you choose this career, or fall into it?

How to use it: fall into + job or activity (He fell into teaching after helping at a local school.)

Similar words: drift into, stumble into

Common phrases: fall into teaching, fall into something, fall into acting

To visit a place or person, often without a special plan.

• I may fall into town next week.
• We fell into the village during our travels.
• If you fall into this area again, come and see us.

Similar words: visit, drop by

Common phrases: fall into town, fall into somewhere, fall into London