drop out

USAGE SUMMARY

'drop out' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It generally refers to the act of leaving an educational institution before completing a course of study. For example, "John was doing very well in college, but suddenly decided to drop out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Drop out by Qld.

The Guardian - Sport

Some 23% drop out altogether.

The Economist

I never drop out".

The Guardian

Drop out, or worse.

The New York Times

Dental fillings drop out".

The New York Times - Books

Drop out NSW. Ninety-seconds left!

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Another drop-out.

The Guardian - Sport

Drop-out to England.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, drop-out rates are high.

The Economist

College drop-out rate.

Huffington Post

to minimize drop-out.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop out" in academic writing, provide context as to why someone might "drop out". For example, specify if it is due to financial constraints, lack of interest, or other factors.

Common error

Avoid using "drop out" when "opt out" is more appropriate. "Drop out" implies a cessation of participation, often due to negative circumstances. "Opt out" suggests a conscious choice to not participate, regardless of circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "drop out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of leaving or withdrawing from something, typically a school, program, or competition. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "drop out" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that signifies the act of leaving a program or activity prematurely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or highly professional writing. Related phrases include "withdraw from" and "quit school", providing nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When using "drop out", ensure clarity by providing context and differentiating it from similar terms like "opt out" or "fail".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw from

Indicates a formal removal or departure, often from a program or competition.

quit school

Specifically refers to ceasing attendance at an educational institution.

leave prematurely

Highlights the aspect of leaving before a designated endpoint.

discontinue participation

A more formal way to express stopping involvement in an activity or group.

abandon studies

Focuses on the act of giving up on academic pursuits.

give up

A general term for ceasing effort or participation.

bow out

Suggests a graceful or planned exit from a situation.

pull out

Indicates a deliberate act of removing oneself from an involvement.

relinquish involvement

Emphasizes the act of surrendering one's participation or role.

cease attendance

Specifically focuses on stopping the act of attending or being present.

FAQs

How is the phrase "drop out" used in a sentence?

The phrase "drop out" is a phrasal verb meaning to leave a course, school, or other program before completing it. For example, "He decided to "drop out" of college after his first semester".

What are some alternative phrases for "drop out"?

Some alternative phrases for "drop out" include "withdraw from", "quit school", or "leave prematurely", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "dropped out"?

Yes, "dropped out" is the past tense and past participle form of "drop out". It is grammatically correct to say, for example, "He "dropped out" of the race due to injury".

What's the difference between "drop out" and "fail"?

"Drop out" implies voluntarily leaving a program or competition, while "fail" suggests an inability to meet the required standards or complete the program successfully. Someone can "drop out" without failing, and someone can fail without "dropping out".