dropped a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropped a lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant decrease in quantity or amount, often in informal contexts. Example: "After the sale, the prices dropped a lot, making it easier for customers to afford the products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I've dropped a lot of musical prejudices.

The Guardian - Music

I've dropped a lot of my fears".

The New York Times

"He was a great talker, dropped a lot of names".

The New York Times

My ranking dropped a lot during that period.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's dropped a lot of time," Phelps said edgily.

The New York Times - Sports

He said they dropped a lot of names, but no money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

We wondered if it was one of those things – like jellied eels in London – that gets name-dropped a lot but few people actually eat.

The Guardian - Travel

You're not going to drop a lot of passes.

The New York Times - Sports

(Actually, you can drop a lot of weight on Ryvitas alone, but you see her point).

Independent

Executive pay on Wall Street "is going to drop a lot," he said.

The New York Times

That ball certainly seems to drop a lot of the time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dropped a lot", ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing or being reduced. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid implying a direct causal relationship simply because something "dropped a lot". Always provide clear evidence or reasoning to support any claims of causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropped a lot" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a significant decrease or reduction in quantity, value, or intensity. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various contexts, confirming its role in indicating substantial declines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dropped a lot" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant decrease, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, with a register ranging from neutral to informal. While versatile, ensure your context is clear and consider more formal alternatives like "decreased substantially" for academic or professional writing. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's ability to effectively communicate notable reductions across various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased substantially

Emphasizes a considerable reduction; more formal.

fell significantly

Highlights a notable decline; slightly more formal.

reduced considerably

Indicates a marked decrease; similar in formality to the original.

declined sharply

Implies a rapid and significant decrease.

plummeted greatly

Suggests a steep and rapid fall; more dramatic.

lessened significantly

Focuses on a reduction in intensity or amount.

diminished substantially

Highlights a decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

shrank considerably

Implies a reduction in size or scope.

tumbled dramatically

Suggests a sudden and significant fall, often used for numbers or prices.

went down sharply

A more straightforward and less formal way to express a significant decrease.

FAQs

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

You can use "dropped a lot" to describe a significant decrease in something. For example, "After the new policy was implemented, our sales "dropped a lot"."

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

You can use alternatives like "decreased substantially", "fell significantly", or "reduced considerably" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "decreased a lot" or "dropped a lot"?

"Decreased a lot" is generally more formal, while "dropped a lot" is more informal. The best choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "declined sharply" and "dropped a lot"?

"Declined sharply" implies a rapid and significant decrease, whereas ""dropped a lot"" simply indicates a substantial reduction without necessarily implying speed.