I almost dropped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I almost dropped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a near miss of dropping something, often in a moment of surprise or clumsiness. Example: "As I was reaching for the book on the top shelf, I almost dropped it when it slipped from my hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I almost dropped a gaff.

The New Yorker

"I almost dropped the phone," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

I almost dropped my cookie.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was so staggered I almost dropped the tray.

The New Yorker

"When he said, 'Hi, it's Alex,' I almost dropped the phone," she remembered.

The New York Times - Style

Asad and I met 10 years ago in grad school, where I found him to be so intimidatingly smart — so effortlessly fluent about esoteric subjects that I'd never even heard of — that I almost dropped out of the program after two weeks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I literally almost dropped out every year of high school".

The New York Times - Magazine

Within five minutes of this the attendant was at my side, where fidgeting with the machine, I'd almost dropped my purse.

Huffington Post

But there is one revival I would long to do that I would almost drop everything to do, and that's "A Little Night Music".

The New York Times

"I got pregnant at 15, became a mom at 16 and almost dropped out of high school," she said.

The New York Times

I couldn't concentrate, became bored easily with my studies and, at one point, almost dropped out.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I almost dropped" to convey a sense of surprise or near mishap, especially when describing a clumsy moment or unexpected event. The phrase is best suited for informal and conversational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I almost dropped" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to describe the situation. For example, "The specimen nearly fell from my grasp" sounds more appropriate than "I almost dropped the sample."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I almost dropped" functions as a narrative expression, describing an action that was narrowly avoided. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in conveying surprise or clumsiness. It describes a past action that did not fully occur.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I almost dropped" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a near miss of dropping something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in news and media, reflecting its accessibility. While perfectly suitable for informal contexts, it's wise to opt for more formal alternatives such as "I nearly dropped" or "I came close to dropping" in professional or academic settings. Remember, context is key! Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone you wish to convey. Also, take note of the potential for overuse and consider refining your writing to prevent repetition and improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I nearly dropped

Replaces "almost" with "nearly", maintaining the same meaning but with a slight variation in word choice.

I came close to dropping

Uses a more descriptive verb phrase to express the nearness of the action.

I was on the verge of dropping

Emphasizes the imminent nature of the action that was avoided.

I just about dropped

Adds a sense of immediacy to the near miss.

I practically dropped

Highlights how close the action was to happening.

I was about to drop

Focuses on the intention or preparation to drop something.

I almost let go of

Specifically refers to releasing something from one's grip.

I nearly lost my grip on

Highlights the loss of control as the reason for the near drop.

My grip almost failed and I dropped

Emphasizes the action as completed with addition of "almost" before the action was completed.

It almost slipped from my grasp

Uses more figurative language to describe the near dropping event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I almost dropped" for a formal context?

In formal settings, consider alternatives like "I nearly dropped", "I came close to dropping", or "The object nearly slipped from my grasp". These options offer a more professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it okay to use "I almost dropped" in an email to my boss?

It depends on your relationship with your boss and the overall tone of your workplace. If your workplace is more casual, it might be acceptable. However, if you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution and use a more formal alternative like "I nearly dropped".

What's the difference between "I almost dropped" and "I nearly dropped"?

The phrases "I almost dropped" and "I nearly dropped" are very similar and often interchangeable. The difference is minimal, with "nearly" sometimes perceived as slightly more formal than "almost".

Can I use "I almost dropped" when talking about something abstract, not a physical object?

While "I almost dropped" typically refers to physical objects, you can extend its usage metaphorically. For example, you might say "I almost dropped the ball on that project" to mean you nearly failed at a task. However, ensure the context is clear and the metaphor is easily understood.