fall out with

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to have a serious argument or disagreement with someone, resulting in the end of the relationship or a period of not speaking. It is a strong expression showing conflict.

Examples

• She fell out with her sister over money and they haven't spoken since.

  She fell out with her sister over money and they haven't spoken since.

• I don't want to fall out with you over something so trivial.

  I don't want to fall out with you over something so trivial.

• He fell out with his business partner and decided to leave the company.

  He fell out with his business partner and decided to leave the company.

• Have you ever fallen out with a close friend?

  Have you ever fallen out with a close friend?

• They used to be inseparable, but they fell out last year.

  They used to be inseparable, but they fell out last year.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I fell out my brother last week.

  ✓ I fell out with my brother last week.

  You must include the preposition 'with' when mentioning the person you had the argument with.

• ✗ We had a fall out.

  ✓ We had a falling out.

  The noun form of this expression is 'a falling out' (or 'a fallout', usually used for political or environmental consequences).

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't want us to ___ each other over this silly argument.

  💡 Have an argument and stop being friends

  Show answer

  fall out with

• She ___ her best friend and now they don't talk anymore.

  💡 Had a big argument (past tense)

  Show answer

  fell out with