drops back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drops back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that returns to a previous position or state, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the race progressed, he drops back from the leading pack, struggling to keep up with the pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He drops back to -4.

The Guardian - Sport

Luck takes a snap and drops back.

The New York Times

He also drops back to -5.

The Guardian - Sport

He drops back to level par.

The Guardian - Sport

"Their quarterback drops back and sees everything.

The New York Times - Sports

He drops back to 3 over.

The Guardian - Sport

But he doesn't hit it, and drops back to -1.

The Guardian - Sport

Snedeker drops back again with bogey on 12.

The Guardian - Sport

He drops back to level par for the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

He doesn't make it, and drops back to +3.

The Guardian - Sport

He drops back -- slowly at first -- but then rapidly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drops back" to vividly describe a decline in position or status, whether in sports, finance, or personal narratives. For example, "The stock price drops back after initial gains."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "drops back". For instance, using "drops back on" instead of simply "drops back" is often grammatically incorrect. Ensure the sentence structure clearly conveys the intended meaning without redundant prepositions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drops back" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a movement to a previous or lower position. It is commonly used to describe a decline in status, rank, or physical location. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drops back" effectively communicates a decline in position, status, or progress across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb. Predominantly found in news and media, its neutral register allows for versatile application. When writing, be mindful of preposition usage to maintain clarity, and consider context-specific alternatives like "falls behind" or "recedes" for nuanced expression. From roller coasters to golf tournaments, "drops back" succinctly captures the essence of losing ground.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falls back

Similar to "drops back" but can also imply a strategic retreat or repositioning.

slips back

Implies a subtle or unnoticed decline in position or performance.

falls behind

Indicates a decrease in speed or position relative to others, emphasizing a loss of lead or progress.

lags behind

Emphasizes a slower pace or a failure to keep up with the progress of others.

falls to

Indicates a decline to a lower level or condition, often in terms of performance or status.

recedes

Suggests a gradual movement away or a decrease in intensity or importance.

retreats

Suggests a withdrawal from a forward position, often due to pressure or danger.

moves back

A more general term indicating a rearward movement, lacking the nuance of decline.

cedes ground

Implies a loss of advantage or territory, often in a competitive context.

is overtaken

Highlights the action of being passed by someone or something, resulting in a lower rank.

FAQs

How can I use "drops back" in a sentence?

You can use "drops back" to describe a decline in position or status. For example, "The athlete "drops back" after a strong start" or "The company's stock price "drops back" following the earnings report."

What can I say instead of "drops back"?

You can use alternatives like "falls behind", "recedes", or "slips back" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "drops back on" instead of "drops back"?

In most cases, using ""drops back"" without the preposition "on" is grammatically correct and clearer. Adding "on" can sometimes create redundancy or an awkward phrasing.

What is the difference between "drops back" and "falls back"?

While similar, ""drops back"" often implies a more immediate or noticeable decline, whereas "falls back" can suggest a more gradual or strategic retreat.