dropped them off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropped them off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of taking someone or something to a specific location and leaving them there. Example: "After the party, I dropped them off at their house before heading home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said Ms. Owens often dropped them off there.

The New York Times

X, who dropped them off, looked less buoyant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He told them, " 'I dropped them off that night,' " Mr. Smith recalled.

The New York Times

Almost ran after you in my nightie when you dropped them off … Vita: Sorry, new phone.

The New Yorker

And after I dropped them off, I'd wander around the streets pushing Lily in the stroller".

The New York Times

A Gramps van dropped them off at one end of the path.

The New York Times

I've been out when Stephanie has dropped them off and Petey's father has picked them up".

The New York Times

The couple dropped them off in Central Park, promising to return in a few hours.

The New York Times

Their father dropped them off at a neighbor's home before turning himself in.

The New York Times

On Sept. 11, the express bus from Staten Island dropped them off at 8 15.

The New York Times

I dropped them off at her house, where I had left food for dinner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dropped them off", ensure the context clearly indicates the mode of transportation or the reason for leaving the individuals or items at the specified location for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "dropped them off" when the act of leaving someone or something at a location was unintentional or accidental. The phrase implies a deliberate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dropped them off" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of transporting individuals or items to a specific location and leaving them there. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, confirming its role in describing a deliberate act of delivery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dropped them off" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of transporting individuals or items to a specific place and leaving them there. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to use it when you want to convey a deliberate action of delivery, and be mindful of its implications. Alternatives like "left them at" or "delivered them to" can be used to adjust the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left them at

Focuses on the action of leaving someone or something at a place, omitting the transportation aspect.

delivered them to

Implies a formal or official act of delivering something or someone.

took them to

Highlights the act of taking someone to a place without necessarily leaving them there.

transported them to

Emphasizes the means of transportation used to move someone or something.

conveyed them to

A more formal way of saying transported, often used in legal or official contexts.

chauffeured them to

Suggests a driver was hired to transport them.

ferried them to

Specifically refers to transporting them by boat or ferry.

deposited them at

Implies a quick or informal act of leaving someone or something at a place.

relinquished them at

Suggests surrendering or handing over someone or something at a place.

abandoned them at

Conveys leaving someone or something at a place with the intention of not returning.

FAQs

What does "dropped them off" mean?

The phrase "dropped them off" means to transport someone or something to a specific location and leave them there. It implies a deliberate action of delivering them to that place.

What can I say instead of "dropped them off"?

You can use alternatives like "left them at", "delivered them to", or "took them to" depending on the context.

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

No, "I dropped of them" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "I dropped them off", where "off" is part of the phrasal verb.

Can "dropped them off" be used for objects as well as people?

Yes, "dropped them off" can be used for both people and objects. For example, "I dropped them off at school" (people) or "I dropped them off at the post office" (objects).