drops of sweat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drops of sweat" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe small beads of sweat on someone's skin, often as a result of physical activity or nervousness. Example: After running a mile in the hot sun, John could feel drops of sweat forming on his forehead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Drops of sweat are beginning to form.

The Guardian - Books

MAHÉ DRYSDALE (New Zealand) rowing; 33; Claims to fame: A five-time world champion in single sculls (one rower, two oars, countless drops of sweat).

The New York Times - Sports

The records fall to him like drops of sweat off the brow of those who try to keep up with him on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

I saw, in a fleeting and disturbing vision, how the drops of sweat moved from the boy's body to Laura's and vice versa.

The New Yorker

The Victoria System, by Eric Reinhardt: "Drops of sweat running down her temples shone through this incandescent lull like crystal ladybirds.

Independent

One in front of the other, we picked our way in silence over the tree roots and rounded boulders that lined the babbling Buritaca River; wiping away the drops of sweat the already sultry air dragged from our foreheads.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A stray hair or a drop of sweat can ruin a lithium-ion cell.

The New York Times - Magazine

You could see his every drop of sweat, and hear his omnipresent cough.

The New Yorker

Soon enough, a drop of sweat fell into the operation site and contaminated it.

Harvard Business Review

"Giving everything, fighting to the end, and spilling every last drop of sweat".

The Guardian - Sport

Every drop of sweat that evaporates takes away a large amount of heat from the skin under it.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "drops of sweat" to vividly depict physical exertion, nervousness, or discomfort in your writing. It provides a more tangible image than simply stating someone is sweating.

Common error

While "drops of sweat" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "perspiration" or "moisture" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drops of sweat" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It is often used descriptively to add vividness to writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drops of sweat" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that vividly depicts physical exertion, nervousness, or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, its descriptive nature makes it generally inappropriate for formal academic or scientific writing. Consider alternatives such as "beads of sweat" for closer meaning or "perspiration" and "moisture" for formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beads of sweat

A very close synonym, directly replacing "drops" with "beads" which offers the same image.

beads of perspiration

Replaces "sweat" with a more formal synonym, "perspiration", while keeping the image of small, round formations.

sweat droplets

Uses a more scientific term, "droplets", instead of "drops", suggesting a slightly more technical context.

perspiration beads

Inverts the order and uses "perspiration" instead of "sweat".

tiny beads of moisture

Emphasizes the small size and uses the more general term "moisture" instead of "sweat".

trickles of sweat

Shifts the image from individual drops to small streams of sweat.

film of perspiration

Replaces the idea of individual drops with a more diffused layer of sweat.

glistening sweat

Focuses on the visual effect of sweat rather than its form as drops.

sweaty brow

Indicates the presence of sweat without explicitly mentioning the drops.

perspiring face

Focuses on the act of sweating rather than the resulting droplets.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "drops of sweat"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "drops of sweat" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "drops of sweat" might be too descriptive for formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "perspiration" or "moisture" to maintain a professional tone.

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

You can use it to describe physical exertion (e.g., "Drops of sweat streamed down his face as he finished the marathon"), nervousness (e.g., "Drops of sweat formed on her forehead before the presentation"), or discomfort (e.g., "The oppressive humidity caused drops of sweat to bead on his skin").

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

The terms are largely interchangeable. Both describe small, round formations of sweat. "Beads of sweat" might slightly emphasize the round shape, while "drops of sweat" is a more general description.