From the verb fall plus the preposition off, recorded from the 15th century.
From the verb fall plus the preposition off, recorded from the 15th century.
What does fell off mean?
It can describe something physically falling and separating, or a sharp decline in numbers, quality, or popularity.
Can fell off be used for a person’s reputation?
Yes, when a reputation drops noticeably, e.g., “His reputation fell off after the scandal.”
Is fell off only past tense?
The phrase itself is the past form; the present tense uses “falls off.”
When should I use fell off instead of “declined”?
Use it when you want a vivid image of something dropping or when the decline is sudden.
Does fell off work for objects that stay attached?
No, for objects that remain attached you would say “came loose” or “detached.”
Is fell off informal or neutral?
It is generally neutral and common in everyday speech.
Can fell off refer to a decrease in temperature?
Yes, you can say “The temperature fell off after sunset” to describe a rapid drop.