is dropping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is dropping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an ongoing event or a decrease in a particular quantity. For example, "The temperature is dropping quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Meanwhile, inflation is dropping.

The Economist

Their price is dropping.

The Economist

Attendance is dropping.

The New York Times - Sports

And household wealth is dropping.

The New York Times

EU gas consumption is dropping.

The Economist

Its share price is dropping.

The Economist

He is dropping his hands.

The New York Times - Sports

He is dropping pounds, too.

The Economist

Jones' head is dropping.

The Guardian - Sport

Unemployment is dropping.

The New York Times

The euro is dropping like a rock.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is dropping" to describe a current decrease or decline. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing, such as "The stock price is dropping rapidly."

Common error

Avoid using the verb "drop" in all contexts where "is dropping" is suitable. For example, instead of saying "The temperature drops", specify the ongoing nature of the decline with "The temperature is dropping".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is dropping" functions as a present progressive verb phrase, indicating an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig confirms this usage, with examples showcasing its application across diverse contexts. This contrasts with the simple present tense, which describes habitual actions or general truths.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is dropping" is a versatile and commonly used present progressive verb phrase that describes a current state of decrease or decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news and media contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, more formal alternatives like "is decreasing" or "is declining" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. When using "is dropping", ensure clarity about what is decreasing and consider the nuances compared to similar phrases like "is falling" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is decreasing

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in quantity or intensity.

is declining

Suggests a downward trend or deterioration.

is falling

Highlights a rapid or sudden descent.

is diminishing

Implies a gradual reduction in size or importance.

is lessening

Focuses on a reduction in intensity or degree.

is reducing

Indicates an active effort to make something smaller or less.

is plummeting

Emphasizes a steep and rapid decline.

is sinking

Suggests a gradual descent, often with negative connotations.

is receding

Implies a moving back or away, often in a physical sense.

is waning

Highlights a gradual decline in power or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "is dropping" in a sentence?

Use "is dropping" to indicate a current state of decline. For example, "The water level is dropping due to the drought."

What's a more formal alternative to "is dropping"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "is decreasing" or "is declining", which may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Which is correct, "is dropping" or "drops"?

While "drops" can describe a general tendency, "is dropping" specifies an ongoing action. For example, "The ball drops" versus "The ball is dropping right now."

What's the difference between "is dropping" and "is falling"?

While similar, "is falling" often implies a quicker or more dramatic descent than "is dropping". Consider the nuance when choosing the appropriate phrase.