"from falling" vs "from falling down"

Question

"from falling" vs "from falling down"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'From falling down' is used when referring to preventing something from physically dropping to the ground, while 'from falling' is used when talking about preventing someone or something from experiencing a decline or failure.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

This phrase is used when talking about preventing someone or something from experiencing a decline or failure, rather than a physical fall. It implies a metaphorical sense of preventing a negative outcome.

Examples:

The new policies helped the company from falling into bankruptcy.
Regular exercise can prevent you from falling ill.
Her encouragement kept him from falling into despair.
The timely intervention saved the project from falling behind schedule.
The support of his friends prevented him from falling into depression.

Alternatives:

from declining
from failing
from deteriorating
from collapsing
from weakening

This phrase is used when talking about preventing objects or people from physically falling to the ground. It implies a physical action or movement that is being stopped.

Examples:

He caught the vase just in time to prevent it from falling down.
The railing prevented the child from falling down the stairs.
She held onto the branch tightly to keep herself from falling down.
The safety net saved the acrobat from falling down during the performance.
The construction workers secured the scaffolding to prevent it from falling down.

Alternatives:

from dropping
from plummeting
from descending
from toppling over
from slipping

Answer 1

from falling

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to preventing someone or something from experiencing a decline or failure.

Answer 2

from falling down

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to preventing something from physically dropping to the ground.

"from falling" vs "from falling down"

from falling

from falling down

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