drop below

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop below" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate that something has decreased in quantity or level below a certain value. Example: The temperature continued to drop below freezing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or drop below?

The Guardian - Tech

741 feet drop below.

The Guardian - Travel

Winter can drop below freezing.

The New York Times - Travel

Temperatures drop below freezing in the winter.

The Economist

It might drop below 60 tonight.

The New York Times

Temperatures can drop below minus-40 degrees.

The New York Times

"Last night, we didn't drop below 59.

The Washington Post

Temperatures were expected to drop below freezing again overnight.

The Guardian

Grain exports, they say, may drop below 3.5 billion bushels.

The New York Times

It is predicted to drop below 100m by mid-century.

The Economist

Considering the heated competition, prices for both models could drop below $20,000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop below" in a sentence, ensure that the subject is clearly defined. For example, "Temperatures will drop below freezing tonight" is clearer than "It will drop below freezing tonight."

Common error

Avoid using "drop under" instead of "drop below". "Below" correctly indicates a position lower than something else, while "under" typically signifies direct covering or a state of being subjected to something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop below" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically indicating a decrease or decline to a level lower than a specified threshold. As Ludwig AI also suggests, this usage is common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop below" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to indicate a decrease or fall to a level lower than a specified threshold. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and accepted in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. To ensure clarity, always define the subject when using the phrase, and avoid common errors like substituting "below" with "under". By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "drop below" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plummet below

Conveys a sharp and rapid decrease below a certain level.

fall under

Implies surpassing a border or limit.

dip beneath

Conveys a quick, brief decline below something.

decline past

Emphasizes a decrease that goes beyond a specific point.

descend past

Suggests a gradual downward movement exceeding a certain level.

sink beneath

Suggests a descent or submergence below a level.

recede beyond

Implies a retreating or withdrawing to a point beyond a limit.

go under

Indicates crossing a limit or failing to reach a level.

lessen to

Emphasizes the reduction in quantity, level, or effect to a specific value or degree.

diminish under

Implies a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity, occurring to a point less than the limit.

FAQs

How is "drop below" used in a sentence?

Use "drop below" to indicate a decrease or fall to a level that is less than a specified amount or threshold. For example, "The stock price may "fall under" a certain value if sales decline."

What are some alternatives to "drop below"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "fall under", "sink beneath", or "decline past" as alternatives to "drop below".

Is it correct to say "dropped under" instead of "drop below"?

While "under" can sometimes imply being below, "drop below" is the more precise and commonly accepted phrase to indicate a decrease in value or level. Using "drop under" may sound awkward or incorrect to native English speakers.

What is the difference between "drop below" and "lessen to"?

"Drop below" implies crossing a specific threshold from above, while "lessen to" emphasizes the reduction in quantity or effect to a specific value. For example, "The river level could drop below the critical mark", versus "The impact of the policy may lessen to only affect a small percentage of the population".