drop out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop out of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe leaving a group, activity, or event before it has been completed. Example: She decided to drop out of college after a year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Family members might drop out of college.

The New York Times

Sometimes people even drop out of society".

The Guardian

2) Let the peripheral countries drop out of the system.

The New Yorker

"But it nah go just drop out of the sky.

The New York Times - Arts

Some may even drop out of school.

BBC

And don't really drop out of school.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"They both drop out of the squad.

BBC

A drop-out of 10% is anticipated.

BMC Cancer

We also anticipate drop-out of care-coordinators.

BMC Psychiatry

Drop-out of treatment is the primary outcome measure.

BMC Psychiatry

The primary outcome measure is drop-out of treatment.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop out of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being left or abandoned. For example, specify "drop out of college" instead of just "drop out" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "drop out of" interchangeably with phrases like "withdraw from" or "leave". "Drop out of" often implies a lack of completion or a sense of failure, while others may be more neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop out of" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of ceasing participation in something before its natural conclusion. This is supported by Ludwig examples where individuals "drop out of" school, races, or other activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drop out of" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of leaving an activity or commitment before completion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and potential implications of using this phrase. For example, alternative phrases such as ""withdraw from"" might be more appropriate in formal situations. As the data suggests, the phrase frequently appears in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in contemporary communication. Understanding its nuances can help writers effectively convey the intended meaning and avoid unintended connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw from

Indicates a formal removal from something, often with permission or procedure.

leave

A general term for departing from a place, group, or activity.

quit

Suggests a more abrupt or informal cessation, often implying dissatisfaction.

abandon

Implies leaving something behind, often with a negative connotation of neglect.

resign from

Specifically refers to leaving a position or role, usually in a formal setting.

step down from

Indicates a voluntary relinquishing of a position or responsibility.

pull out of

Suggests a strategic or planned withdrawal from an agreement or commitment.

bow out of

Implies a graceful or dignified exit from an activity or competition.

discontinue

A more formal term for ceasing an activity or service.

give up on

Indicates ceasing to believe in or support something, often due to difficulty.

FAQs

What does "drop out of" mean?

"Drop out of" means to leave a group, school, competition, or activity before the end.

How do I use "drop out of" in a sentence?

You can say, "She decided to "withdraw from" the race" or "He had to "leave" school due to illness".

What are some alternatives to "drop out of"?

You can use alternatives like ""withdraw from"", ""leave"", or "quit" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "drop out of" or "withdraw from"?

"Withdraw from" is often more formal and implies a structured or official departure, while "drop out of" can suggest a more informal or abrupt cessation. The best choice depends on the specific situation.