fell off/from the roof

[Tan Elaine]

Next, I fell off/from the roof while repairing it but I sustained only superficial wounds and no fracture.

Which boldfaced word should I use? I think it should be 'off'.

Thanks.

[bhaisahab]

Next, I fell off/from the roof while repairing it but I sustained only superficial wounds and no fracture.

Which boldfaced word should I use? I think it should be 'off'.

Thanks.

I'd use "off". I think "from" is possible though.

[emsr2d2]

They're both possible. However, if they are used in the reply to a question, then it would depend on the question.

Where did he fall from?
He fell from the roof.

What did he fall off?
He fell off the roof.

In my opinion, one uses the phrasal verb "to fall off" and the other uses the standard verb "to fall" followed by a preposition followed by a noun (making a prepositional phrase). I would break down the different versions like this:

He / fell off / the roof.
He / fell / from / the roof.

[Barb_D]

PS - no fractures

[Tan Elaine]

PS - no fractures

Thanks, Barb.

Why is 'no fracture' wrong? One can sustain a fracture from a fall, but a few wounds are the usual case.

[emsr2d2]

Thanks, Barb.

Why is 'no fracture' wrong? One can sustain a fracture from a fall, but a few wounds are the usual case.

That may be the case but you wouldn't normally specifically point out that you did not sustain one fracture in fall.

I sustained cuts and grazes but no fractures.