drop something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drop something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to accidentally letting go of an object or intentionally discarding something. For example, "She was so surprised that she dropped her phone." Alternative expressions include "let go of something" and "discard something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think you should drop something, make a scene.

The New York Times

You really did drop something, though a quarter.

The New Yorker

You don't want to just drop something that you feel could be anywhere.

Princeton University

Every time I twitch or drop something I think, could this be it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If I drop something and smash it, I'm not like, Jesus Christ!

The Guardian

Will Bill talk to Brokaw, and "accidentally" drop something devastating about Hill?

The New York Times

"The message to our customers is clear: If you drop something on the tracks, do not attempt to retrieve it.

The New York Times

"I'm not going to drop something I'm proud of and have been doing for six years," he said.

The New Yorker

She warned: "It is not cost effective to drop something with which you have had some success.

Independent

When they drop something on the floor or throw it, they're trying to see what will happen next.

Harvard University

Drop something in front of a two-year-old, and she's likely to pick it up for you.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drop something" to mean 'reveal information', ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation with the literal meaning of physically dropping an object.

Common error

Avoid using "drop something" in formal writing when you mean to 'reveal' or 'disclose' information. While acceptable in informal contexts, opt for more precise vocabulary like "reveal", "disclose", or "announce" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drop something" primarily functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "drop" is the verb and "something" is the direct object. This construction indicates an action performed on an unspecified object. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

22%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop something" is a versatile and common expression with both literal and figurative applications. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its usage in describing accidental falls, intentional discards, and informal revelations. While grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki, users should be mindful of potential ambiguity between its literal and figurative meanings, especially in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "release something" or "discard something" for clarity where needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get rid of something

A common idiom meaning to dispose of or eliminate something.

let something fall

Focuses on the action of allowing something to descend unintentionally.

discard something

Emphasizes the act of getting rid of something, either physically or conceptually.

dump something

Implies discarding something carelessly or in a designated location.

release something

Highlights the act of freeing something from one's grasp.

misplace something

Indicates unintentionally putting something down and forgetting where it is.

lose one's grip on something

Stresses the inability to hold onto something, often unintentionally.

abandon something

Suggests a deliberate act of leaving something behind, perhaps unfinished.

relinquish something

Implies a formal or necessary surrender of something.

shed something

Conveys the idea of getting rid of something that is no longer needed or wanted.

FAQs

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

You can use "drop something" to describe accidentally letting an object fall, as in "I accidentally "let something fall"". It can also mean to discard something or to subtly reveal information.

What are some alternative phrases for "drop something"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "discard something", "release something", or "reveal something".

Is it grammatically correct to say "drop something"?

Yes, "drop something" is grammatically correct. The verb "drop" is correctly used with a direct object, "something".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "drop something"?

It's appropriate when referring to the physical act of letting something fall, intentionally discarding something, or informally revealing information. Consider your audience and context to ensure clarity.