drops of perspiration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drops of perspiration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe sweat on a person's forehead, skin, or other body parts. For example, "He wiped off the drops of perspiration from his forehead with a towel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"She wore no fichu," Flaubert wrote, a fashion choice that revealed "small drops of perspiration on her shoulders".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But a drop of perspiration, or an itch in his eye, or whatever it was, well, that required some attention.

The New York Times - Arts

But while an August heat wave in New York brought new meaning to the term "triple-digit car testing," the Cayman R was worth every drop of perspiration expelled in its parboiled cabin.

The New York Times

Instead, I found myself focusing on a drop of perspiration on a man's forehead; the freckles on the back of a woman's hand; another man's eyes, weirdly magnified by the thick lenses of his glasses; a woman's red fingernail that was much shorter than her other nails; the sagging breasts of an older woman who was wearing a low-cut gown.

The New York Times

According to Condé Nast Traveler's Kevin Doyle, during his nine days traveling with Hillary, he didn't see her produce a drop of perspiration.

Huffington Post

"I know Barça get all the plaudits for their superhuman performances, and JM seems capable of offending every single person he meets, but Real are on track to win La Liga without dropping so much as a bead of perspiration".

The Guardian - Sport

Beads of perspiration flew from his brow.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is also, of course, her poetic use of perspiration.

The New York Times

When I started walking, my feet suffered because of perspiration.

The New York Times

A fine sheen of perspiration appeared below his dark eyes.

The New Yorker

There was the distant rumble of heartburn, the ominous tingle of perspiration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drops of perspiration" to vividly describe the physical sensation of sweating, especially when emphasizing small, noticeable amounts. This phrase can add a touch of elegance or clinical detachment compared to more direct terms like "sweat".

Common error

Avoid using "drops of perspiration" in casual conversation or informal writing where it might sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler terms like "sweat" or "sweat droplets" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drops of perspiration" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It provides a specific and somewhat formal way to describe sweat, emphasizing its form as individual droplets. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often occurs in descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drops of perspiration" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that functions descriptively, often in neutral to formal contexts. While not as common as simpler terms like "sweat", it offers a more vivid and nuanced portrayal of physical exertion or stress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while examples are limited, they demonstrate its usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, consider the tone and audience to determine if this slightly elevated phrase is appropriate, or if a more direct term would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beads of sweat

Refers to visible, small accumulations of sweat, similar to "drops of perspiration".

tiny sweat droplets

Emphasizes the small size of the perspiration.

a sheen of perspiration

Describes a thin, almost imperceptible layer of sweat.

trickles of sweat

Indicates sweat running down the skin.

perspiration droplets

A more formal way of saying "drops of perspiration".

sweat trickling down

Focuses on the action of sweat moving down the skin.

sweat beading on

Describes sweat forming into small, round shapes.

surface moisture from sweating

Explains the source and nature of the moisture.

perspiration forming on

Highlights the process of sweat appearing.

a film of sweat

Similar to a sheen, but perhaps slightly more noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "drops of perspiration" to describe visible sweat on someone's skin, for example, "Drops of perspiration glistened on his forehead as he finished the marathon."

What are some alternatives to "drops of perspiration"?

Alternatives include "beads of sweat", "sweat droplets", or "a sheen of perspiration", depending on the specific image you want to convey.

Is "drops of perspiration" too formal for everyday language?

While grammatically correct, "drops of perspiration" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, using "sweat drops" or simply mentioning "sweat" might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "drops of perspiration" and "beads of sweat"?

"Drops of perspiration" is a slightly more refined way of describing sweat, while "beads of sweat" is more common and straightforward. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.