drop by at

USAGE SUMMARY

"drop by at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to making a brief, informal visit to someone or a place. For example, "I'm going to drop by at my friend's house later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

If you drop by at lunch, as I did not long ago, light streams through the big front windows.

The Washington Post

If dry weather causes grazing to drop by at least 15%, judging by historical records, the insurer will pay out.

The Economist

And if Dorothy Parker could drop by at some point, and maybe Katherine Mansfield, and Sylvia Townsend-Warner. Townsend-Warner.

The New York Times - Books

And a backyard garden is opening soon, providing a reason to drop by at any time of day.

The New York Times

Like the chef of a four-star kitchen, he might drop by at the end to touch up the results.

The New York Times - Arts

You can see my follower count drop by at least 10-15 people a time if I mention Muslims.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

When questions were first raised about the retreat last month, a court spokeswoman said Justice Thomas had made a "brief drop-by" at the event in Palm Springs, Calif., in January 2008 and had given a talk.

The New York Times

Then, turning our eyes to customers who purchase any cosmetics, they rely on the displayed corporate name or the brand name(s), leading to a drop-by at each of the booths of cosmetics manufacturers.

Cosmetic Science and Technology Theoretical Principles and Applications

On the same day as his drop-by at the Jefferson Memorial, Mr. Bush opened another window into his limited, arrogant worldview when he applauded the medical treatment of his vice president.

The New York Times

In a drop-by at the airport in Salt Lake City, he told voters that, unlike President Bush, he would "bring an end to all the nuclear testing" in the adjacent Nevada desert.

The New York Times

-- doing glam drop-bys at D.C. restaurants and dinner parties, once the N.R.A. opens up that office in the Bush White House it's been bragging about.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop by at" when you want to suggest a casual and informal visit, typically one that is brief and unplanned. For instance, "Feel free to "drop by at" my office if you have any questions".

Common error

Avoid using "drop by at" when a more direct verb like "visit" or "stop by" would suffice. The addition of "at" can sometimes make the phrase sound slightly redundant or awkward, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drop by at" is to act as a phrasal verb indicating a short, often unscheduled, visit to a place or person. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop by at" is a grammatically correct phrase used to suggest a casual, brief visit. While Ludwig AI validates its usability, the phrase is relatively uncommon compared to alternatives like "stop by" or simply "visit". It's best suited for informal contexts, as demonstrated by its usage in news media, wikis, and general conversation. When aiming for formality, consider using more direct or traditional synonyms. To suggest a relaxed and unplanned visit, "drop by at" remains a valid, though not the most frequent, choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pop in

Very similar to "drop by", emphasizing the short duration of the visit. The 'at' is omitted.

Stop by

Similar to "drop by", but slightly less emphasis on the brevity of the visit. The 'at' is omitted.

Swing by

Similar to "drop by", suggesting a quick and informal visit.

Visit briefly

This is a more concise and formal way to say "drop by at".

Come over

This is a more casual and direct way to invite someone to visit.

Come around

Implies visiting someone's home or usual location.

Call in

This suggests a visit, often for a specific purpose or errand.

Look in on

This implies checking on someone or something during a visit.

Check in

This suggests a brief visit to register or report something.

Pay a call

A more formal and traditional way to say "visit".

FAQs

How do I use "drop by at" in a sentence?

You can use "drop by at" to suggest a casual and informal visit. For example, "You should "drop by at" the coffee shop later" or "Feel free to "drop by at" our office anytime".

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

While both phrases are used to indicate a brief visit, "drop by" is more common and often considered more natural. "Drop by at" can sometimes sound slightly redundant, although it's still grammatically correct. You can also use "stop by" or "visit".

Is "drop by at" formal or informal?

"Drop by at" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "visit" or "call in". Using "pay a call" might be more appropriate in some situations.

What can I say instead of "drop by at"?

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