it drops by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it drops by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a decrease or reduction in something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The temperature usually drops by several degrees in the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In Mr Nordhaus's model, it drops by 2%.

The Economist

This year, as we prepare to mark the 70th anniversary, the number is closer to 1.5 million, and it drops by almost a thousand a day.

The New York Times

Factoring in the effects of global warming on weather, food production and pollution, the index's average score drops 8 percent worldwide from what would otherwise be predicted (and it drops by 12 percent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia).

The New York Times

However, it drops by 18%% at the poles and 30%% around the equator.

Earth, Planets and Space

More precisely, it drops by about €0.01 for each additional 1%% of self-pick-up customers, as shown in Fig. 4.

European Transport Research Review

As the average gap in codetermination-free plants accounts to 22.3 log points, this means that it drops by about 8percentnt.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Was it dropped by a glacier or tossed by Arthur?

The Guardian

For Asians alone, it dropped by nearly 14percenttoto $18,629.

The New York Times

In Georgia it dropped by $707 and in Mississippi by $648.

The Economist

But it dropped by more than six episodes a day for those taking a placebo.

The New York Times

For girls, it dropped by 4 percent to 1,755 calories a day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it drops by", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. For example, specify the subject before stating the amount of the decrease.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the subject before stating that "it drops by". Without a clear subject, the sentence can be confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it drops by" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a specific subject experiences a reduction or decrease. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it drops by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a decrease or reduction, as confirmed by Ludwig. It exhibits a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into diverse communication scenarios, including news reports, scientific discussions, and everyday exchanges. Although "it drops by" is valid and prevalent, writers should be mindful of maintaining subject clarity to prevent ambiguity. To enhance formality, alternatives like "it decreases by" or "it falls by" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it decreases by

Replaces "drops" with a more formal synonym "decreases".

it falls by

Substitutes "drops" with "falls", offering a slightly different but related image.

it reduces by

Employs "reduces" to convey the same meaning of diminishing in quantity or value.

it declines by

Uses "declines" to suggest a more gradual or sustained reduction.

it diminishes by

Replaces "drops" with "diminishes", implying a gradual decrease.

it lessens by

Utilizes "lessens" to indicate a reduction in amount or intensity.

it shrinks by

Employs "shrinks" to suggest a physical reduction in size or amount.

it depreciates by

Uses "depreciates" to specify a decrease in value, particularly in a financial context.

it recedes by

Suggests a decrease by moving back or away.

it plunges by

Indicates a sudden and significant drop.

FAQs

How can I use "it drops by" in a sentence?

Use "it drops by" to describe a decrease or reduction in a specific quantity or value. For example, "The temperature it drops by at night" or "The stock price it drops by after the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "it drops by"?

You can use alternatives like "it decreases by", "it falls by", or "it reduces by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it drops by" formal or informal?

"It drops by" is generally considered neutral in formality and is appropriate for both casual and professional contexts. However, more formal options like "it decreases by" may be preferred in academic or business writing.

What's the difference between "it drops by" and "it drops sharply"?

"It drops by" indicates the amount of decrease, while "it drops sharply" indicates the manner or speed of the decrease. The former quantifies the reduction, while the latter emphasizes the suddenness and intensity of the reduction.