SpeakUp

Grammar fix

fall through

fail to happen

If something such as a plan or arrangement falls through, it does not happen as expected, usually because something goes wrong.

phrasal verbB2common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Our holiday plans fell through when the airline canceled our flights.daily life
  • I was supposed to study abroad last year, but unfortunately, the program fell through because of visa issues.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: fall through (subject: plan, arrangement, deal, etc.)

WrongThe house sale fell through down.

RightThe house sale fell through.

'Fall through' is complete — don't add 'down'.

Patternfall through (subject: plan, arrangement, deal, etc.)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Unfortunately, the proposed arrangement did not come to fruition.

Natural Sadly, the whole thing fell through.

'Fall through' is the natural verb for plans collapsing; 'did not come to fruition' is corporate.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • fall through + plan/deal
    the dealthe saleplansat the last minute

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'fall apart,' which means to break into pieces or stop working emotionally.

Try it in Daily Speak →