a drop in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drop in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a decrease in something, such as a decrease in temperature, attendance, profits, or a score. For example, "The company saw a drop in profits this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A drop in the bucket.

The New Yorker

It's a drop in the bucket".

The New York Times

A drop in the proverbial bucket.

Independent

That remains a drop in the ocean.

The New York Times

Surely a drop in output is required?

The Economist

It is a drop in the ocean.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is a drop-in workshop for all ages.

University of California, Berkeley

This is a drop-in session; no sign up needed.

University of California, Berkeley

AHI is not a drop-in replacement for PbA.

Energy Conversion and Management

His is more than a drop-in visit.

The New York Times - Books

In 2006, a drop-in centre opened in Kaysone Phomvihan.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a drop in", ensure you clearly specify what is decreasing. For instance, instead of just saying "there was a drop in sales", specify "there was a drop in sales revenue by 15%".

Common error

Avoid using "a drop in" without specifying the subject. Saying simply "a drop in" without context can confuse readers. Always follow it with what's decreasing, for example, "a drop in temperature", "a drop in attendance", or "a drop in profits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drop in" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a decrease or reduction in something. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a drop in" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a decrease or reduction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common expression used across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. When using "a drop in", it's crucial to specify what exactly is decreasing to avoid ambiguity. Related terms such as “"a decrease in"” or “"a decline in"” can be used as alternatives, though they might carry slightly different connotations. By keeping these insights in mind, writers can effectively convey reductions and trends with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decrease in

Direct synonym indicating a general reduction.

a decline in

Suggests a gradual and often negative reduction.

a reduction in

Implies a deliberate act of lessening something.

a fall in

Indicates a sudden or rapid decrease.

a downturn in

Often used in economic contexts to describe a negative trend.

a slide in

Similar to 'fall', but can imply a loss of control.

a dip in

Suggests a temporary and slight decrease.

a slump in

Indicates a significant and prolonged decline.

a weakening in

Describes a loss of strength or intensity.

a contraction in

Frequently used in economic discussions to denote a shrinking of activity.

FAQs

How can I use "a drop in" in a sentence?

You can use "a drop in" to describe a decrease or reduction. For example, "The company reported "a drop in" profits due to increased competition".

What phrases are similar to "a drop in"?

Similar phrases include "a decrease in", "a decline in", or "a reduction in". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a drop in" or "decrease in"?

Both "a drop in" and "decrease in" are correct and often interchangeable. "A drop in" might imply a more sudden or noticeable decrease compared to "decrease in".

What's the difference between "a drop in" and "a rise in"?

"A drop in" indicates a decrease, while "a rise in" indicates an increase. They are antonyms used to describe opposite trends.