drop box

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop box" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a physical or digital location where items can be submitted or collected, often used in the context of file sharing or submission of documents. Example: "Please place your completed forms in the drop box located near the entrance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was, essentially, diplomacy conducted through a drop box.

The New York Times

Al Jazeera has set up a "transparency unit" with a WikiLeaks-style anonymous drop box.

The Economist

Written assignments are turned into the CS 188 drop box in 283 Soda Hall.

University of California, Berkeley

Default delivery method for all digital files is either via WeTransfer, Drop Box or Google Drive.

Columbia University

Payments received in the drop box after 5 00 p.m. are processed the following business day.

Stanford University

Homeworks are due in the CS70 drop box in 283 Soda at 2 30pm on Tuesdays.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

She finally hit upon a solution - clipped the likenesses of the two Smith Brothers from a cough-drop box.

The New Yorker

Predictably, media organizations want to replicate Wikileaks's secure drop-box, too.

MIT Technology Review

As Post Offices wilt on the high street, stations could step in by offering a wider range of drop-box services.

The Economist

Yes, there are apps that provide a drop-box service.

TechCrunch

This might be why the neighborhood drop-box is such a well-used and popular option.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the online file-sharing service, use the correct capitalization: "Dropbox".

Common error

Be mindful of capitalization. "Drop box" (lowercase) generally refers to a physical container or a general concept of a submission point. "Dropbox" (capitalized) refers to the specific online file-sharing service. Using the wrong capitalization can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop box" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as a compound noun specifying a location or system for depositing or retrieving items. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts, ranging from physical locations to digital platforms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

31%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop box" is a common noun phrase with diverse applications, encompassing physical locations for depositing items and digital platforms for file sharing. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide usage make it a versatile term in various contexts. It is important to differentiate between "drop box" (generic term) and "Dropbox" (specific file-sharing service) to avoid confusion. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return box

A box for returning items.

designated drop-off

Specifies a location where items should be left.

collection point

Refers to a location designated for gathering items, emphasizing the act of collecting.

submission receptacle

A more formal term for a container where items are submitted.

anonymous submission point

Emphasizes the anonymity of submitting items.

file sharing service

More specifically refers to the digital version of a "drop box".

digital repository

Referring to a place, often online, for storage and distribution of data.

secure upload portal

Emphasizes the security aspect of online file submission.

mail slot

Focuses on delivering mail through a small opening.

letter box

Similar to mail slot, specifically for letters.

FAQs

How is a "drop box" used in academic settings?

In academic environments, a "drop box" is commonly used for submitting assignments. For example, "Homeworks are due in the CS70 drop box in 283 Soda at 2:30pm on Tuesdays."

What are the alternatives to using a physical "drop box" for file sharing?

Instead of a physical "drop box", you can use "file sharing service" like Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer.

In what contexts is "drop box" typically used?

The term "drop box" is used in various contexts, including physical locations for submitting documents, online file-sharing services, and even as a metaphor for discreet communication, as in diplomacy conducted through a "drop box".

Is "drop box" the same as "drop-off box"?

While similar, "drop-off box" often refers specifically to locations for leaving off items, while "drop box" can have a broader meaning, including digital file sharing services.