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Prepositions with nouns

of, in, to, for or by fall?

The noun “fall” combines with different prepositions depending on meaning. “Fall in prices,” “fall to zero,” and “fall by 10%” are common. “Fall of” is used in fixed expressions such as “the fall of Rome.”

Quick answer

Which prepositions are used with “fall”?

Use “fall in” for decreases within an area or category, “fall to” for a new level, and “fall by” for the amount of change. “Fall of” appears in expressions about collapse or decline. “Fall for” is usually part of the verb phrase “fall for,” not the noun.

a fall in sales
a fall to 5%
a fall by two points

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
fall in + area/value

Describing a decrease within something

Use “fall in” before prices, sales, demand, temperature, and similar categories.

a fall in demand
a fall in temperature
2
fall to + level

Showing the new level after a decrease

Use “fall to” when stating the final number or position.

a fall to 20 dollars
3
fall by + amount

Showing the size of a decrease

Use “fall by” for the amount of change.

a fall by 15%
4
fall of + institution/place

Referring to collapse or defeat

“Fall of” is common in historical and formal expressions.

the fall of the empire

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
fall in
a fall in exports
a decrease within a category
fall to
a fall to record lows
the new lower level
fall by
a fall by three points
the amount of decrease
fall of
the fall of the government
collapse or defeat
fall for
She had a fall for him is unnatural
Use the verb phrase “fall for someone,” not the noun “fall for.”

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “fall for” as a noun pattern

“Fall for” is mainly verbal, not a standard noun construction.

✕ a fall for profits ✓ a fall in profits

Confusing “fall by” and “fall to”

“By” gives the amount of change; “to” gives the final level.

✕ sales saw a fall to 10% ✓ sales saw a fall by 10%

Using “fall of” for ordinary decreases

For prices or numbers, “fall in” is more natural.

✕ a fall of prices ✓ a fall in prices

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The report showed a fall ___ consumer confidence.
2. There was a fall ___ 3%.
3. Historians study the fall ___ the Roman Empire.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “fall of prices” correct?

In modern English, “fall in prices” is more common for ordinary decreases.

What is the difference between “fall by” and “fall to”?

“Fall by” gives the amount of change, while “fall to” gives the final level.

Can I say “fall for” with the noun “fall”?

Usually no. “Fall for” is mainly used as a verb phrase, as in “fall for a trick.”

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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