SpeakUp

Grammar fix

fall behind

fail to keep up

To not make as much progress as others or as expected, so that you are behind in work, studies, payments, or other activities.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • If you miss too many classes, you might fall behind in your studies.study
  • During busy exam periods, some students fall behind on their assignments because they have too much to do at once.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: fall behind (in/on/with something)

WrongI fell behind of the others in class.

RightI fell behind the others in class. / fell behind with my work.

'Fall behind' + person (no 'of'); 'fall behind WITH' a task.

Patternfall behind (in/on/with something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I have failed to maintain the expected pace with my coursework.

Natural I've fallen behind with my coursework.

'Fall behind' is the everyday verb for not keeping up; the formal version is a tutor's report.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • fall behind (with/on)
    with workon paymentsthe othersin class

Don't confuse it

'Keep up' means to stay at the same level or progress as others, while 'fall behind' means you are not.

Try it in Daily Speak →