drops of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drops of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe small amounts of liquid, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "She added a few drops of lemon juice to the water for flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Helicopter drops of money?

The Guardian - Business

Good drops of grease".

The New York Times - Books

Clouds gathered and sprinkled drops of rain.

Independent

Drops of rain spattered our brows.

The New Yorker

Add three drops of bleach.

The New Yorker

Feel first drops of rain.

The New York Times

Two drops of water plus two drops of water?

The New York Times - Magazine

Drops of moisture dot his forehead.

Forbes

Train -- "Drops of Jupiter".

Huffington Post

"Drops of Jupiter"?

Huffington Post

Two drops of vanilla.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "drops of" in recipes, be precise. Specify the number of drops to ensure consistent flavor and results.

Common error

Avoid using "drops of" excessively in formal writing. While acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise measurements or descriptive language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drops of" functions primarily as a quantifier followed by a noun, indicating a small, often immeasurable, amount of liquid or a substance that can be dispensed in small units. It modifies the noun to specify the quantity, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "drops of rain" or "drops of oil". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

61%

News & Media

37%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drops of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate small quantities, primarily of liquids. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and correctly used across various contexts. Its frequency is high, especially in Wiki and News & Media, making it a common phrase in both instructional and descriptive writing. While neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in formal writing. Remember to specify the number of drops for clarity in recipes. Consider alternatives like "specks of" or "dash of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specks of

Focuses on visual perception of tiny particles instead of liquid measurement.

touch of

Indicates a subtle addition or presence of something.

sprinkling of

Suggests a light and scattered distribution of something.

dash of

Commonly used for adding small amounts of ingredients, especially in cooking or mixing drinks.

grain of

Draws a comparison to a small particle, like a grain of sand or salt.

hint of

Similar to 'tinge of', suggesting a subtle indication or trace.

smattering of

Implies a sparse distribution or small quantity of something.

iota of

Emphasizes an extremely small quantity or degree.

tinge of

Refers to a slight trace or hint of a particular quality or color.

modicum of

Implies a small but acceptable or reasonable amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "drops of" to refer to small quantities of liquid, such as "Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the batter." It can also be used metaphorically, like "There were drops of sadness in her voice."

What are some alternatives to "drops of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "specks of", "dash of", or "hint of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "drop of" instead of "drops of"?

While "drop of" can be used for a singular instance, "drops of" is used for multiple instances or an unspecified small quantity. For example, "a drop of water" vs. "a few drops of water".

What is the difference between "drops of" and "drips of"?

"Drops of" refers to individual, small amounts of liquid. "Drips of" implies a continuous or intermittent flow of small amounts. For example, "drops of rain" versus "drips of water from a leaky faucet".