Common Grammar Mistakes: 'Fallen' vs 'Fell' and Other Verbs

The world of English grammar can often be a confusing place, especially when it comes to the verbs related to the action of falling. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of 'fallen' versus 'fell' and delve into other common verbs often misused, all with the goal of helping you improve your writing and ensure your content is SEO-friendly.

The Verbs 'Fallen' and 'Fell'

When discussing past events, the correct form of the verb for 'fall' is 'fell.' However, when discussing a continuous or completed action, the correct form is 'fallen.' Consider the difference between these two examples:

The correct phrase: 'She has fallen down the stairs.'

Here, 'has fallen' indicates a completed action in the present perfect tense. However, if you were to describe a past event without the present perfect aspect, such as a reported incident, the correct form is:

The correct sentence: 'The verb in this sentence is 'fell,' not 'fallen.'

For instance, if we are discussing a situation that happened in the past, the correct sentence would be:

'Mrs. Grathy had a terrible fall yesterday and is in the hospital now.'

Alternatively, if you were writing it, you would use a simpler past tense form:

Personally, I would write: 'She fell down the stairs.'

However, for formal contexts or to describe the event in the past without the perfect form, 'had fallen' is the correct choice:

‘She had fallen down the stairs’ would be the preferred form in a more formal context.

Misusing 'Lying' and 'Lay'

Another common confusion in English involves the verbs 'lie' and 'lay.' The verb 'lie' means to recline or rest, while 'lay' means to place. Here are the common tenses:

Present tense: - I lie (recline) - You lie (recline) - She lies (recline) - He lies (recline)

Past tense: - I lay (placed) - You lay (placed) - She laid (placed) - He laid (placed)

Present perfect tense: - I have lain (reclined) - You have lain (reclined) - She has lain (reclined) - He has lain (reclined)

Past perfect tense: - I had lain (reclined) - You had lain (reclined) - She had lain (reclined) - He had lain (reclined)

This can be quite confusing, which is why it's recommended to look up these verbs in a grammar book. As language evolves, the use of incorrect forms can sometimes be considered acceptable, but for clarity and SEO optimization, it's essential to use the correct forms.

Additional Grammar Tips

In instances where it's unclear which verb to use, or to sidestep potential confusion, consider rephrasing the sentence. For example:

Original sentence: 'My possessions lied on the floor when I came home.'

Corrected sentence: 'All my possessions had been laid out on the floor when I came home.'

A simpler alternative would be:

‘All my possessions were on the floor when I came home.’

This avoids the complexity and potential confusion of using the passive form incorrectly. If you suspect that a break-in occurred and your possessions were scattered, you could refine the sentence as:

‘All my possessions had been laid on the floor when I came home.’

Another viable option is simply to rephrase it:

‘All my possessions were on the floor when I came home.’

This maintains clarity and avoids grammatical confusion, ensuring your content is both SEO-friendly and grammatically accurate.