dropped off

USAGE SUMMARY

"dropped off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something leaving or being left somewhere, for example: The package was dropped off at the post office this morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Business dropped off.

The New York Times

"Whole blades dropped off".

The New Yorker

At last, I dropped off.

The New Yorker

I have dropped off Twitter.

The New York Times - Sports

Javad's voice dropped off.

The New York Times

They dropped off letters.

The New York Times

And then Mercury dropped off the chart.

The New York Times

By 2009 business had dropped off sharply.

The New York Times

Business dropped off sharply in 47.

The New Yorker

He dropped off a key.

The Guardian - Money

Communication dropped off between us.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dropped off" to describe a decline, ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining (e.g., "sales dropped off sharply").

Common error

Avoid using "dropped off" when a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning. For instance, instead of saying "the price dropped off", specify if it decreased, declined, or plummeted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropped off" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past tense of the phrasal verb "drop off". It indicates an action of delivering something or someone, or a decrease in something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dropped off" is a versatile verb phrase with multiple meanings, primarily indicating either the delivery of something or someone or a decrease or decline. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. The phrase maintains a neutral tone and is most frequently found in News & Media sources. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity, whether referring to a delivery or a decline. Always double-check that the verb is used in the correct tense and that it makes sense to native speakers, or consider choosing a better word if the action isn't clear from the overall sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Left behind

Focuses specifically on the action of leaving someone or something behind, emphasizing the act of departure.

Experienced a decline

Emphasizes a decrease or reduction in something, such as sales or performance.

Fell off

Implies a sudden or gradual decrease, often used in contexts where something was previously attached or stable.

Delivered

Focuses on the action of bringing something to a specific location.

Transported

Implies the movement of someone or something from one place to another.

Relinquished

Focuses on the act of giving something up or letting it go, often with a sense of loss or regret.

Lost momentum

Describes a situation where progress has slowed or stopped.

Started to wane

Suggests a gradual decrease in strength or intensity.

Fade away

Implies a gradual disappearance or decline.

Discontinued

Highlights that something is no longer being made or offered.

FAQs

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

"Dropped off" can indicate delivering someone or something, like "I "dropped off" the package at the post office". It can also mean a decline, as in "Sales "dropped off" significantly last quarter".

What are some alternatives to "dropped off" when referring to a decline?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "dropped off" could include "declined", "decreased", "fell", or "diminished".

Is it correct to say "dropped off of" instead of "dropped off"?

While not strictly incorrect, "dropped off of" is often considered redundant. It's generally better to use the more concise ""dropped off"".

What's the difference between "dropped off" and "picked up"?

"Dropped off" implies leaving someone or something at a location, whereas "picked up" means collecting someone or something from a location. They are opposite actions.