drop off

USAGE SUMMARY

"drop off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of taking somebody or something somewhere and then leaving it there. For example: "I'm going to pick up my daughter from school and then drop her off at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

I'll drop off the money.

The New Yorker

"They don't drop off".

The New York Times - Sports

Drop off laundry.

The New York Times

Does it drop off quickly?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then the flows will drop off precipitously.

The Economist

(Translation: drop off dirty dishes here).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"It was a drop-off".

The New Yorker

No drop-off point.

The Washington Post

Why the drop-off?

The Washington Post

Monday drop-off for $350, he said.

The New York Times

The drop-off has been glaring.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop off" to mean 'deliver', specify the location to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'll drop it off", say "I'll drop it off at your office".

Common error

Avoid using "drop off" interchangeably with phrasal verbs like "pick up" or "take away". "Drop off" specifically means to leave something or someone at a location, not to retrieve or remove them.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drop off" primarily functions as a verb indicating either the act of delivering something or someone to a specific location (as evidenced by Ludwig examples like "Drop off laundry") or the action of falling asleep (as in, "Women drop off to sleep first.").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop off" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, most commonly referring to delivering something or someone, or falling asleep. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across various registers. As the examples show, it's frequently used in news and media, academia, and wiki contexts. To avoid ambiguity, specify the location when using it to mean 'deliver'. While generally neutral, be mindful of the context to ensure appropriateness. Remember that "drop off" is not interchangeable with similar phrasal verbs like "pick up" or "take away".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver

This alternative focuses on the action of handing something over, simplifying the phrasal verb.

leave

This suggests leaving something or someone at a specific location, emphasizing the act of departure.

deposit

This emphasizes the act of placing something in a particular spot, often for safekeeping.

unload

This alternative refers to removing items from a vehicle or container.

set down

This emphasizes the action of placing something gently or carefully.

fall asleep

This captures the meaning of "drop off" when it refers to falling asleep.

doze off

Similar to "fall asleep" but suggests a lighter sleep.

decrease

This alternative conveys the meaning of reduction or decline.

diminish

This suggests a gradual reduction in something.

slacken

This refers to a decrease in intensity or effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop off" to mean delivering someone or something to a location, as in "I'll drop off the package at the post office". It can also mean falling asleep, as in "I tend to drop off after dinner".

What can I say instead of "drop off" when talking about delivering something?

Alternatives include "deliver", "leave", or "deposit", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "drop off" when talking about a decrease in sales?

Yes, "drop off" can be used to describe a decrease or decline. For example, "Sales have dropped off in recent months".

What's the difference between "drop off" and "pick up"?

"Drop off" means to leave something or someone at a location, while "pick up" means to collect something or someone from a location. They are opposite actions.