to fall behind
– B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) –
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In Canadian and American English, this phrasal verb typically means:
to not progress at the expected rate, often in comparison to others
to not meet a deadline
NOTE
When this phrasal verb is followed by a noun that represents what you are failing to progress in, the word “on” must be used (e.g., to fall behind on a project).
However, when this phrasal verb is followed by a class subject, the word “in” must be used, instead (e.g., to fall behind in math).
EXAMPLES
(definition 1)
“It is only October, but somehow I already feel like I am falling behind in all my university classes. There doesn’t seem to be enough time to do all my assignments and studying.”
(definition 2)
“We did not deliver the project on time–we fell behind. Fortunately, though, we did learn a lot in the process. Next time, we won’t be falling behind on anything.”
