dropped a line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropped a line" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the act of sending a brief message or note to someone, often to check in or say hello. Example: "I just wanted to drop a line to see how you’ve been doing lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"That was because I dropped a line," Williams said.

The New Yorker

He has dropped a line down into their souls; fishing there, he found what he needed.

The New York Times

On the dock at dusk, Stanley Sevin dropped a line fishing for speckled trout and shrugged off health concerns.

The New York Times

If, back in the States, some guests dropped a line like, "Last week, when I was at Countess Brandolini's..

The New York Times - Style

She was never late, never dropped a line and seemed impervious to the demands of vanity or stardom.

The Guardian - Film

Yet when David Wright booted a ground ball and Kazuo Matsui dropped a line drive for the Mets, Atlanta responded with three unearned runs off Steve Trachsel.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The quarter continued to skitter away from Washington when Chad Morton dropped a line-drive punt -- it glanced off his face mask and then bounced hard off his chest -- with 2 55 remaining.

The New York Times - Sports

Drop a line when you've given it some thought.

The New York Times - Arts

An angler drops a line along the Boise River Greenbelt.

The Washington Post

And if anyone knows where I can find a copy of Fifty-Two, please drop a line.

Stanford University

Just wanted to drop a line to say thank you for this.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dropped a line" in informal communications when you want to convey a casual and friendly tone. It's suitable for quick updates or check-ins.

Common error

Avoid using "dropped a line" in formal or professional communications. Opt for more professional alternatives like "sent a message" or "contacted" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropped a line" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used as a verb phrase indicating the act of sending a brief message or making a short communication. As Ludwig AI indicates, it generally follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dropped a line" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe sending a brief, casual message. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for informal contexts like personal communications, as evidenced by examples from The New York Times, The Guardian and other media outlets. Avoid using it in formal business settings to maintain a professional tone. Alternatives like "sent a message" or "contacted" are more appropriate in formal contexts. The phrase is considered uncommon but understandable across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sent a quick note

Focuses on the action of sending a brief message, emphasizing speed and brevity.

shot off a message

Highlights the casual and rapid nature of sending a message.

sent a brief communication

Emphasizes the shortness of the communication.

fired off a quick email

Highlights the speed and electronic medium of the message.

dashed off a note

Suggests the note was written quickly and without much effort.

dashed off a message

Suggests the message was sent quickly.

got in touch briefly

Emphasizes the brevity of the contact.

touched base quickly

Highlights a short interaction to maintain contact.

pinged someone quickly

Modern slang for sending a quick digital message.

reached out briefly

Emphasizes making contact but keeping it short.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "dropped a line"?

Saying someone "dropped a line" means they sent a brief message or made a short communication, often in a casual or informal way.

How can I use "dropped a line" in a sentence?

You might say, "I "dropped a line" to my friend to see how her vacation was going" or "He "dropped a line" to say he'd be late."

What can I say instead of "dropped a line"?

You can use alternatives like "sent a message", "reached out", or "contacted" depending on the context.

Is "dropped a line" appropriate for business communication?

While "dropped a line" is acceptable in very informal business contexts, it's generally better to use more professional language like "sent an email" or "made contact" in formal business settings.