drop of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop of" is correct and usable in written English, typically as part of the expression "a drop of." You can use it when referring to a small amount of liquid, often in cooking or when discussing measurements.
Example: "Add a drop of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One drop of water".

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a drop of ouzo.

The New York Times

"The old drop of whiskey".

The New Yorker

Just a drop of purple blood.

The New York Times - Health

Newspapers hardly wasted a drop of ink.

The New York Times

drop of someone smoking marijuana.

The New York Times

No, the next drop of red.

The Guardian - Sport

Our drop of water is now unwanted.

The Guardian

"A drop of rain, h how extraordinary".

The New Yorker

Reality revealed a drop of 10.

The New York Times

Not a drop of Spanish blood.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop of" to describe quantities, ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to a literal liquid drop or a metaphorical small amount. For instance, specify "a drop of water" versus "a drop of interest rates".

Common error

Avoid using "drop of" in formal writing where a more precise term such as "decrease", "reduction", or "decline" would provide clarity. "Drop of" can be perceived as informal in business or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate a small quantity or degree. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable. For example, "a drop of water" refers to a small amount of liquid, while "a drop of interest" implies a slight decrease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a small quantity or a decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable, appearing frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally neutral, consider using more precise terms in formal writing. Common uses range from literal small amounts (like "a drop of water") to metaphorical decreases (like "a drop of interest rates"). The related phrases like "a bit of" or "a trace of" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, enhancing writing flexibility. To maintain clarity, specify the context of "drop of", differentiating between literal and metaphorical usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of

Emphasizes a small quantity or amount, similar to "drop of" when referring to a liquid or abstract concept.

a trace of

Highlights the minimal presence of something, akin to "drop of" when signifying a negligible quantity.

a hint of

Suggests a subtle indication or presence, comparable to "drop of" in contexts involving intangible qualities.

a decline in

Focuses on the reduction or decrease of something, paralleling "drop of" when indicating a fall in numbers or performance.

a reduction of

Highlights the act of decreasing something. More formal than "drop of".

a modicum of

Implies a limited or moderate amount, similar to "drop of" when suggesting a small quantity.

a shadow of

Indicates a faint or residual presence, akin to "drop of" when referring to lingering traces.

a fragment of

Emphasizes a small, broken-off piece or portion, resembling "drop of" when implying a minimal part of something.

an iota of

Suggests an extremely small or insignificant amount, paralleling "drop of" when denoting negligible quantities.

a smidgen of

Indicates a tiny amount, similar to "drop of" when suggesting an extremely small quantity, often in informal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop of" to refer to a small amount of liquid, as in "Add a "drop of" lemon juice". It can also describe a decrease, for example, "There was a "drop of" 10% in sales".

What are some alternatives to "drop of"?

Alternatives include "a bit of", "a trace of", or depending on the context, phrases like "a decline in" or "a reduction of".

Is it appropriate to use "drop of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider using more precise terms in formal writing. For instance, use "reduction" or "decrease" instead of ""drop of"" when discussing quantitative changes.

What does "crying at the drop of a hat" mean?

This idiom means to cry very easily or for little reason. It's an expression to describe someone who is easily moved to tears.