drop by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a casual visit to someone's home or place of work without a formal invitation. Example: "Feel free to drop by my office anytime if you have questions about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Drop by anytime".

The New Yorker

He'd just drop by whenever.

The New Yorker

I could just drop by.

The New York Times

"People didn't just drop by".

The New Yorker

The neighbors drop by.

The New York Times

Astronauts drop by, too.

The New York Times

Some still drop by.

The New York Times

Please drop by!

The New Yorker

"You can drop by and have lunch.

The New York Times

Drop by drop, our comprehension grows.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm a drop-by parade watcher.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop by" when you want to suggest a casual, unplanned visit. It's perfect for friendly invitations and informal contexts.

Common error

While phrases like "pay a visit" are similar to "drop by", they can sound too formal in casual conversations. Stick to "drop by", "swing by", or "come over" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drop by" functions as an intransitive verb indicating an action of visiting a place or person informally and without prior arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in everyday conversation and writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop by" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a casual and often unplanned visit. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While alternatives like "stop by" and "swing by" exist, "drop by" maintains a friendly and informal tone suitable for everyday conversations. Remember to use it when you want to suggest a casual, unplanned visit without sounding too formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop by

A direct synonym, indicating a brief and unplanned visit.

come by

Similar to "drop by", but slightly more general and versatile.

swing by

Implies a quick and casual visit, often while en route to somewhere else.

pop in

Highlights the brief and often unexpected nature of the visit.

come over

Emphasizes movement towards the speaker's location for a visit.

call in

Implies a brief visit, often for a specific purpose.

visit informally

Focuses on the informal aspect of the visit, omitting the spontaneous nature.

look in

Suggests a brief and casual check-in, often without prior arrangement.

pay a visit

More formal than "drop by", suggesting a planned visit.

check in

Indicates a brief visit to register or report, but has also got different meanings.

FAQs

What does "drop by" mean?

"Drop by" means to visit someone informally and spontaneously, without a prior arrangement. It suggests a casual and often brief visit.

What can I say instead of "drop by"?

You can use alternatives like "stop by", "swing by", or "come over" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "dropped by"?

Yes, "dropped by" is the past tense form of "drop by" and is perfectly correct. For example: "I "dropped by" their house yesterday."

What's the difference between "drop by" and "visit"?

"Visit" is a more general term for going to see someone, while "drop by" implies a more casual and unplanned visit. You might "visit" relatives for a holiday, but you would "drop by" a friend's house on your way home.