drop casually

USAGE SUMMARY

'drop casually' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action that is done with a slightly nonchalant attitude. For example: "She grabbed the phone and dropped it casually on the couch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is not the sort of structure you drop casually into New York.

The New Yorker

In a draft of a letter written to a doctor by an advertising agency, marketers offered the doctor $200 to memorize questions about Neurontin that they wanted him to drop casually into the dinner conversation.

The New York Times

Instagram is a handy tool for those first on the scene, says Dubecki: "it's all about boasting rights about being first, which you can drop casually into everyday conversation: 'Have you been to X yet?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His brow cleared instantly, his hand dropped casually to his pocket.

The New York Times - Magazine

Names dropped casually in conversation — "Hal" or "Fred" — had to be identified.

The New York Times

Sometimes, it's a matter of just one or two words, dropped casually into conversations, or scattered around visual descriptions.

The Guardian - Books

Valentine and I looked so consummately right as a couple: stylish, easily intimate, his arm dropped casually across my shoulder, our clasped hands swinging together.

The New Yorker

Tay's jarringly gruesome history is dropped casually into the story, and then mostly abandoned as the second act picks up Abebe's story about eight years later.

The New York Times

"What do you talk about with boys when you are not talking about sex," she drops casually into the conversation to blushes and squeals.

Independent

If a museum is free, people drop in casually.

The Guardian - Books

It was Josiah Barker who first pointed out that reporters do not drop in casually, but go where they are told to go by the newspaper editors.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "drop casually". While grammatically correct, overuse can make writing seem repetitive or lacking in precision. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "drop casually" when you actually intend to describe actions that are simply vague or undefined. The phrase specifically implies a lack of deliberation, not necessarily a lack of clarity. Use more precise language if vagueness is the primary characteristic you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop casually" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that an action, such as mentioning something or letting something fall, is done in a nonchalant or seemingly unintentional way. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop casually" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase that describes an action performed in a nonchalant or seemingly unintentional manner. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and various examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media category, illustrate its usage. While not extremely common, the phrase serves the specific purpose of conveying a lack of deliberation or a subtle, indirect approach. Related alternatives include phrases such as "mention in passing" or "let slip", offering writers flexibility in their expression. It's important to use the phrase with precision, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning of casualness rather than mere vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention in passing

Focuses specifically on mentioning something briefly and without emphasis during a conversation.

insert incidentally

Highlights the act of adding something almost as an afterthought.

make a casual reference

Emphasizes that the mention is brief and not the main point.

insert casually

Focuses on the act of adding something briefly and without emphasis during a conversation.

let slip

Emphasizes the unintentional nature of revealing something.

state offhandedly

Focuses on the casual and informal way something is stated.

utter nonchalantly

Highlights the speaker's attitude and manner when saying something.

bring up effortlessly

Indicates ease and lack of strain in introducing a topic.

throw in absentmindedly

Suggests a lack of focus or attention when saying something.

imply carelessly

Highlights the lack of concern or thought when suggesting something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "drop casually" is used to indicate that something is mentioned or done in a way that seems unintentional or without much thought. For example, "He would "mention in passing" his accomplishments to impress others."

What are some alternatives to "drop casually"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""mention in passing"", "let slip", or "state offhandedly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "casually drop" instead of "drop casually"?

While "casually drop" is also grammatically correct, "drop casually" often emphasizes the manner of the action itself, whereas "casually drop" emphasizes the way in which something is dropped. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "drop casually" a hint?

To "drop casually" a hint means to subtly and seemingly unintentionally give a clue or suggestion about something. It implies a deliberate attempt to be indirect, often to avoid being too obvious or pushy.