drop a glass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop a glass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to accidentally letting a glass fall from your hand, typically resulting in it breaking or spilling its contents. Example: "While trying to pour the juice, I accidentally dropped a glass, and it shattered on the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

You drop a glass while making breakfast.

University of California, Berkeley

You're always afraid that you might drop a glass of wine.

The New York Times - Magazine

If I were to drop a glass of water on the floor and reflexively call myself an idiot, what does it mean to practice self-compassion in that moment?

University of California, Berkeley

"Just like if you drop a glass on your kitchen floor, there's some large pieces and there are some very, very tiny pieces," said Janet Babb, a geologist with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The Telegraph

He may drop a glass full of water and explain to his players how much quicker it can be refilled — and how the cup may even runneth over — if they each give a little of their own.

The New York Times - Sports

The harder question is whether that is enough.Special report For want of a drink Enough is not enough Business begins to stir Every drop counts Making farmers matter China's peasants look to the skies The ups and downs of dams Trade and conserve To the last drop A glass half empty Sources & acknowledgmentsReprintsMany believe it is not.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Later, doing the dishes, I dropped a glass Caitlin handed me and started shouting at her.

The New York Times

For now, a robot is lucky if it can predict would happen if it dropped a glass of water.

The New Yorker

When Holmes collapses, dropping a glass paperweight to the floor, does the wink to "Citizen Kane" mean that we are trapped in a Wellesian quest for identity?

The New Yorker

The story ran that she dropped a glass bowl and fell on the shards, which slit her throat, slicing her jugular vein.

The Guardian - Film

The instant when the egg broke had all the tension you feel when a waiter drops a glass, but none of the accompanying worries that the waiter might lose his job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "drop a glass", ensure the context clarifies whether it was accidental. If intentional, consider using a different verb like "release" or "lower".

Common error

Avoid using "drop a glass" when describing placing a glass down gently. This phrase implies an accidental or uncontrolled release.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop a glass" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing an action. It typically involves the unintentional release of a glass, often leading to breakage or spillage. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop a glass" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon verb phrase used to describe the action of unintentionally letting a glass fall. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, showcasing examples from news sources, academic papers, and scientific articles. While its register is generally neutral, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "spill a glass" or "knock over a glass". When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the accidental nature of the event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spill a glass

Focuses on the consequence of losing control of the glass, resulting in its contents being scattered.

knock over a glass

Highlights the action of bumping into the glass, causing it to fall.

upset a glass

Emphasizes the instability of the glass leading to its fall.

break a glass accidentally

Specifies the unintentional nature of the glass breaking.

let a glass slip

Focuses on the failure to maintain a grip on the glass.

lose hold of a glass

Highlights the loss of control over the glass.

mishandle a glass

Indicates improper handling as the cause of the glass falling.

send a glass crashing

Emphasizes the sound and force of the glass falling and breaking.

drop a tumbler

Uses a more specific term for the type of glass being dropped.

fumble a glass

Suggests clumsiness in the act of dropping the glass.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop a glass" to describe an accidental event. For example, "I was washing dishes and accidentally "dropped a glass"."

What's a more formal way to say "drop a glass"?

While "drop a glass" is generally acceptable, consider using "release a glass" or "lose control of a glass" in formal contexts to emphasize the unintentional nature of the event.

Is it correct to say "I dropped a glass of water"?

Yes, it is correct. You can also say "I "spilled a glass" of water" or "I "knocked over a glass" of water", depending on how it happened.

What is the difference between "drop a glass" and "spill a glass"?

"Drop a glass" implies the glass fell from your hand, while "spill a glass" suggests the contents of the glass were released, possibly without the glass itself falling.