drop it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop it" is grammatically correct and it can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone should end a conversation, move on from a topic, or stop discussing an issue. For example: "The debate was getting heated, so I suggested that we drop it".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drop it onto its bottom.

WikiHow

Its easiest to drag and drop it.

WikiHow

Drop it.

The New York Times

Drop it in the comments.

The New York Times

And I wouldn't drop it.

The New Yorker

"You drop it," he said.

The New Yorker

But just drop it".

The Guardian - Sport

First lesson: Drop it!

The New York Times

Nine, if you count "Drop it!

The New Yorker

"I cannot drop it," Kellner said.

The New Yorker

But Goddard did not drop it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drop it" when you want to abruptly end a discussion or tell someone to stop pursuing a particular line of inquiry. For example, if a conversation is becoming unproductive, you might say, "Let's just drop it."

Common error

Avoid substituting "drop it" with similar phrases like "top it" or "mop it", as these have entirely different meanings. Always double-check your intended meaning to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop it" primarily functions as an imperative, used to issue a command or make a request. Ludwig examples show its use to instruct someone to stop talking about something, to release an object, or to abandon an idea. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drop it" is a versatile imperative commonly used to abruptly end a conversation, command someone to release an object, or signal the abandonment of an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. While most frequent in News & Media and Wiki sources, its informal register makes it less suitable for formal or academic contexts. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "let it go" or "forget about it" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put it down

Directly instructs someone to release an object they are holding.

forget about it

Suggests dismissing something from one's mind or consideration.

let it go

Emphasizes releasing emotional attachment or ceasing resistance to something.

abandon the subject

Focuses on ending a conversation or discussion about a particular topic.

dismiss it

Suggests disregarding or rejecting something.

leave it alone

Advises against interfering with something.

halt that action

Commands to immediately stop a current activity.

discontinue that

Formally advises to stop a specific action or activity.

relinquish possession

Formally suggests giving up control or ownership of something.

cease and desist

A legal term instructing someone to stop an action immediately.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop it" to tell someone to stop talking about something, as in, "I don't want to discuss this anymore, let's just drop it". It can also mean to physically release something, such as "Careful, don't drop it!"

What does "drop it" mean in the context of a dog command?

As a dog command, "drop it" means the dog should immediately release whatever it is holding in its mouth. Consistency is key when training with this command.

What can I say instead of "drop it" when asking someone to stop talking about a topic?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "let it go", "forget about it", or "change the subject".

Is "drop it" appropriate in formal communication?

While "drop it" is widely understood, it might be too informal for certain professional or academic settings. In those situations, consider using phrases like "let's move on" or "we shall discontinue" depending on context.