drop off a package

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop off a package" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the action of delivering or leaving a package at a specific location, such as a post office or delivery service. For example, "I need to drop off a package at the post office before it closes." Alternative expressions include "deliver a package" and "leave a package."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Once, he had heard that she was recovering from a serious car accident, and he stopped by to drop off a package of homemade brownies and a get-well note.

The New York Times

Using a cellphone in Los Angeles, you could open the door of your house in New York so that a delivery service driver could drop off a package, then lock the door after him.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We're O.K.," Ms. Castano told him as he dropped off a package.

The New York Times

"It's been aggravating," Jimmy Richardson, a bike messenger, said after dropping off a package near Times Square.

The New York Times

Weeks after the burglary, Ms. Wong remembered a deliveryman who, some time before, seemed to be hanging around the office after dropping off a package.

The New York Times

On Aug. 7, 1989, B again dropped off a package in Virginia that contained information from the Bloch-Gikman file, the affidavit adds.

The New York Times

Mr. Hanssen, a 25-year F.B.I. veteran and counterintelligence expert, was arrested on Feb. 18 after he allegedly dropped off a package of classified materials in a Virginia park.

The New York Times

Mr. Freeh was in the F.B.I.'s command center at the agency's headquarters when Mr. Hanssen was arrested as he returned to his car after dropping off a package of classified documents, law enforcement officials said.

The New York Times

In other news, the company has started asking its employees to drop off a few packages to customers on their way home in an effort to compete with Amazon, so there's that.

Vice

When he finally located the right one, he said, "I dropped off a letter and package about who I was and said I'd love to meet him, and if he was ever interested, would love to talk about doing something".

The New York Times

Instead, they hover over a "mailbox," or an area about the size of two parking spots, delineated by a clinic, and drop off the package in a simple box from about 40 feet in the air.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop off a package", ensure the context clearly indicates where the package is being left. For example, specify "drop off a package at the post office" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "drop off a package" when a more specific verb would be appropriate. For example, use "mail the package" if you're specifically sending it via postal service, or "deliver the package personally" if doing so in person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop off a package" functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the action of delivering a package to a specific location. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop off a package" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood phrasal verb that describes the action of delivering a package to a specific location. Ludwig confirms its validity and appropriateness for use in various contexts. While "drop off a package" is suitable for general communication, more formal alternatives like "deliver a package" might be preferred in professional settings. Overall, using "drop off a package" effectively involves considering the context and audience to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliver a package

Focuses on the action of delivering, emphasizing the completion of the task.

leave a package

Highlights the action of leaving the package, suitable when the destination is understood.

hand over a package

Emphasizes the act of physically handing the package to someone.

submit a package

Implies a formal process of submission, such as to a post office or authority.

dispatch a package

Suggests a more formal or business-oriented sending of a package.

send a package

A more general term for causing a package to be delivered.

transfer a package

Highlights the movement of the package from one place or person to another.

ship a package

Specifically refers to sending a package via a shipping service.

lodge a package

A more formal way of saying to leave a package, often in official contexts.

take a package

Focuses on the transportation aspect of delivering the package.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "drop off a package"?

You can use alternatives like "deliver a package", "leave a package", or "submit a package" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "drop off a package" or "deliver a package"?

Both phrases are correct, but "deliver a package" is often perceived as more formal and emphasizes the successful completion of the task. "Drop off a package" simply focuses on the act of leaving it.

Can "drop off a package" be used in business writing?

Yes, "drop off a package" is acceptable in business writing, especially in informal communications. For formal documents, consider using "deliver a package".

What does "drop off a package" mean?

The phrase "drop off a package" means to take a package to a specific location and leave it there for someone to pick up or for further processing, such as at a post office or delivery service.