dropping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dropping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when referring to the act of letting something fall or discontinuing something. Example: "I am dropping my plans for the weekend to focus on my studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Ebola crisis – the Guardian briefing The rapidly dropping number of cases will make it a considerable challenge to trial vaccines against Ebola.

The Guardian

Since we allowed this, over 14,000 offences have been successfully matched to over 8,000 suspects including over 100 murders and 100 rapes - and as far as I am aware, no one is on the database for dropping litter!

The Guardian - Opinion

The crime rate is 64% below its peak in 1995 and the fall has accelerated in recent years, dropping 32% since 20089-09.

The Guardian

We have had many delegates from the conference and local people from Manchester dropping in because the whole thing is free and people are getting worried about what is happening".

The Guardian

It will not lead to the UK dropping below its present Nato commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence.

The Guardian

He caused anger among welfare campaigners by scrapping an increase in child tax credits that will result in an additional 100,000 children dropping below the government's poverty line, and was accused of provoking unions by setting a two-year 1% ceiling on public sector pay increases – well below the current inflation rate.

The Guardian

If standards are dropping in the company, many people see it as Gergiev's fault.

The Guardian

Put in the hot oven for about 20 minutes before dropping the temperature down to 140C/275F/gas mark 1 for another hour or until the meat falls away from the bone of the duck leg. 4 While the duck is cooking, start to make the pancake dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Sun, boosted by its cheap holidays offer, did best of all, recording a 4.57% rise (and, incidentally, we must wait until next month to assess the effect of its dropping Page 3).

The Guardian

With inflation dropping to just 0.5% in December, MPC members were also concerned about the risk of deflation, or falling prices, which are good news for consumers, but can cause severe economic damage if they last for a long period.

The Guardian - Business

Each day sees a mad rush to tie up to a buoy before they all go or endure the worry inherent in dropping your anchor: Will it hold?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dropping" to describe a decline in numbers or statistics, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and the period over which the decline occurs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dropping" interchangeably with "falling" in all contexts. "Dropping" often implies a deliberate or controlled action, while "falling" suggests an uncontrolled descent. Be mindful of the nuance to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dropping" is as a present participle or gerund form of the verb "drop". It functions as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "prices are dropping") or as a noun (e.g., "the dropping of the case"). Ludwig confirms its widespread use in these roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Business

8%

Travel

4%

Opinion

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "dropping" is a versatile verb form commonly used to indicate a decrease, abandonment, or downward movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across varied contexts. While primarily functioning as a present participle or gerund, its communicative purpose ranges from describing statistical declines to indicating physical actions. Usage is generally neutral, fitting seamlessly into news reports, lifestyle articles, and sports commentary. When using "dropping", ensure the context clarifies what is being reduced or abandoned, and avoid direct substitution for "falling" without considering the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lowering

Indicates a reduction in height, level, or value.

Reducing

Implies making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Declining

Suggests a gradual decrease or deterioration.

Decreasing

Refers to a gradual reduction in quantity or intensity.

Discontinuing

Implies stopping or ceasing to do something.

Abandoning

Means ceasing to support or look after someone or something; deserting.

Relinquishing

Means voluntarily ceasing to keep or claim; giving up.

Forgoing

Implies refraining from or giving up something.

Ceding

To give up (power or territory).

Withdrawing

Removing or taking away (something).

FAQs

How can I use "dropping" in a sentence?

You can use "dropping" in sentences to describe a decrease in something, like "The temperature is dropping", or abandoning something, like "I am dropping my class".

What can I say instead of "dropping"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "decreasing", "reducing", or "abandoning".

Is it correct to say "dropping prices" or "falling prices"?

Both "dropping prices" and "falling prices" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Dropping prices" might imply a deliberate action by a seller, while "falling prices" suggests a market trend.

What's the difference between "dropping out" and "withdrawing"?

"Dropping out" typically refers to leaving a program or course before completion, often informally. "Withdrawing" is a more formal term for leaving a course or program, usually with official documentation.