There is a fine line between these two phrases. Fall to the ground means someone is falling from a high point towards the ground. Here, the stress is more on “fall” than the ground. The preposition “to” denotes the direction of the fall.
On the other hand, the preposition “on” in the phrase”fall on the ground” suggests that an individual is already on the ground and he/she may collapse or fall down. Here, the final point is already known that’s why the emphasis is more on the ground.
Another difference, in my opinion, is that “fall to the ground” seems more formal. It is the original literary phrase in the English language that implies that someone is falling to the ground. However, fall on the ground is more of a slang used to convey almost the same meaning.
Things You Need To Know About The Verb ‘Fall’
Fall means quickly dropping from a higher position to a lower one that is ground. Fall can be used as both a noun and a verb. It implies ‘to fall accidentally on the ground and towards the ground.’ It can also indicate ‘to descend from a higher level.’ It is irregular as a verb. The past participle form is fallen, while its past tense is fell. An object is not required for a fall.
The verb “fall” denotes a motion in which the direction changes, as in “fall to the ground”: When a man falls from a height to the horizontal direction, the verb “on the ground” must be either a stative or dynamic verb capable of keeping the subject on the ground.
Example:
- The rain is falling heavily.
- People were hurt when rocks fell on them.
- The tag must have fallen off.
- A mosquito fell into my drink.
- Please be careful! Or you will fall to the ground.
Synonyms Of The Word Fall
You can use some other words in the English language instead of the word “fall”.
- Descend
- Drop
- Dropdown
- Come down
- Go down
- Gravitate
- Collapse
Phrasal Verbs Of The Word Fall
There are several phrasal verbs with the word “Fall”. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Fall for
Fall for means to fall in love with someone or something.
For example, she fell for him and waited for him for 10 years.
- Fall off
Fall off means to become less or decrease
For example, the level of liquid has fallen off.
- Fall down
Fall down means to fall unintentionally and accidentally.
For example, if the books are placed on the top of the shelf, they might fall down.
- Fall over
Fall over means falling onto the ground.
For example, please be careful and do not fall over the cliff.
- Fall out
Fall out means dropping something.
For example, the medicines made her hair fall out.
The Meaning Of Fall On The Ground May Change Your Perspective!
‘Fall on the ground’ refers to an accidental fall. This has no idiomatic meaning, and it means exactly what it says. It simply means falling on the floor accidentally. Fall on the ground also means collapsing or toppling over.
The phrase “fall on the ground” implies that the individual is already on the ground when he or she fell. It also means that a person has fallen down from a sitting or standing position, where height isn’t considered as much.
Below are the examples to show you where you can use ‘fall on the ground’ in your sentences:
- Boys can fall on the ground because they are too drunk.
- Fall on the ground immediately when you hear the gunshot, said the police officer.
- After receiving the award from the stage, the girl fell on the ground.
- A tissue paper has fallen on the ground and is lying on the floor.
The Meaning Of Fall To The Ground, Only A Handful Of People Know!
“Fall to the ground” means to fall from a higher to a lower position due to gravity, to fall suddenly from a standing position.
For example:
- The automobile slammed into him, flinging him into the air and causing him to fall to the ground with an awful, dull thud.
- According to the notion, two objects fall to the ground at the same speed.
- Her mom and dad fell to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
- When leaves fall to the ground, they decompose by becoming part of the soil.
Fall to the ground can also be used as an idiom, which means to come to nothing or to fail.
For example:
- Once the picnic was postponed, all of our expectations fell to the ground.
The Grammatical Difference Between ‘Fall On The Ground’ And ‘Fall To The Ground’
| Fall on the ground | Fall to the ground |
| The difference in meaning | |
| Falling on the ground means a person has fallen from a sitting or standing position, where height isn’t considered as much. | Fall to the ground means falling from the higher to the lower position due to gravity, where height is taken into account. |
| The difference in the fall | |
| A fall on the ground denotes falling down from a lower height. It implies that the person who is already on the ground has fallen to the ground. | Fall to the ground indicates that the fall happened from a great height. |
| Which one is a quicker fall? | |
| The term “fall on the ground” indicates a quicker fall, it does not take long. | The term “fall on the ground” indicates a quicker fall. It does not take long. |
| The use of “on” and “to” | |
| The word “on” is employed to stress just the result and the expected effects. | The term “fall to the ground” usually connotes a drastic drop. So the fall takes longer. It emphasizes the falling itself. |
| Formal vs. Informal | |
| In my point of view, the term “falling on the ground” has an informal connotation. It is usually used in spoken English rather than in written English. | On the other hand,” falling to the ground” has a more formal meaning and literary ring to it. In spoken English, I would never use it. (As a result, it sounds more severe to me, as if someone has been hurt or killed). |
| The difference in their usage in sentences | |
| On the other hand,” falling to the ground” has a more formal meaning and literary ring to it. In spoken English, I would never use it. (As a result, it sounds more severe, as if someone has been hurt or killed). | You can utilize the phrase “fall to the ground” if anyone is at a height and not on the ground. |
| Example (sentences) | |
| You can use the term “fall on the ground” if anyone is lying on the ground and does not fall from anywhere above the ground. | Fall on the ground immediately when you hear the gunshot, said the police officer. After receiving the award from the stage, the girl fell to the ground. |
Conclusion
- Understanding the distinction between “fall on the ground” and “fall to the ground” is crucial. It is an essential aspect of language comprehension.
- “Fall to the ground” implies falling from a higher point. It emphasizes the height of the fall as you descend to a lower position.
- In contrast, “fall on the ground” suggests a fall from a sitting or standing. It places less emphasis on height as the person is already close to the ground.
- “Fall to the ground” has a more formal and literary connotation. On the other hand, “fall on the ground” is commonly used informally.
- The choice between these phrases depends on the fall’s context and height.
- Both phrases are grammatically correct. Their usage depends on where the fall originates.
- Understanding these nuances enhances language precision and communication.
- Whether informal or formal, choosing the right phrase ensures accurate expression.