fall down

Use it for people or things. You can say "I fell down." You can say "The chair fell down." Remember to change the verb for the past tense. Use fell down for things that already happened. Use falling down for things happening right now. It is a phrasal verb, but we rarely put words between fall and down.

Use it when describing accidents. It is perfect for telling a story about a clumsy moment. Use it at home, at work, or while playing sports. If your toddler trips, you say they fell down. If a stack of books topples, they fell down too. It is the go-to phrase for gravity winning the battle.

Do not use it for failing a test. We do not use it for prices dropping. For prices, just use fall or go down. Also, do not use it for emotions. You don't fall down in love; you fall in love. Keep this phrase for physical objects and bodies hitting the floor.

In English-speaking cultures, falling down is the basis of 'slapstick' humor. Think of Charlie Chaplin or funny home videos. We often laugh when people fall down, but only if they aren't hurt! There is even a famous nursery rhyme called 'London Bridge is Falling Down'. It is one of the first phrases children learn.

Sometimes people just say fall. However, adding down makes it feel more complete. You might hear fall over if someone trips while walking. Fall off is used if you drop from a high place like a bed. Fall down is the most general and safe version to use anywhere.