start dropping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “start dropping” is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to suggest taking some kind of action. For example: "If you want to lose weight, start dropping some calories from your daily diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We can't start dropping our heads now.

The New York Times - Sports

Once prices start dropping, major declines become more likely.

The New York Times

If they close the locks, it start dropping fast".

The New Yorker

'When things start dropping off.' He thinks for a minute.

The Guardian - Books

Why does a cable modem suddenly start dropping its connection after working perfectly fine for years?

The New York Times

If prices start dropping again, some will be induced to walk away, further undermining the market.

The New York Times

Once bits start dropping off, the very idea of Indonesia begins to collapse.

The Economist

"If they start dropping like flies, or something in that order, we can replace them today".

The New York Times

"When they steal your soul and you start dropping into the underworld," he said.

The New York Times - Style

Seconds later, American bombs start dropping, two onscreen and one off.

The New York Times

After 2020, average premiums could start dropping, and by 2026 the C.B.O.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity and precision, specify when the dropping begins and how rapidly it progresses to provide readers a more vivid picture of what is happening.

Common error

A common mistake is using "start dropping" without specifying what is being dropped. Always provide a clear object to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is easily understood. For example, clarify, "start dropping prices" instead of just "start dropping".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start dropping" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action involving the release or decrease of something. As shown by Ludwig, this can refer to prices, objects, or even abstract concepts like points in a game or connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start dropping" is a versatile verb phrase that signals the beginning of a process of release, decrease, or expulsion. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and quite common, particularly in news and media. The register is generally neutral but context-dependent. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being dropped to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "begin to decrease" or "commence falling" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "start dropping" is a valuable phrase for communicating the commencement of a significant action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to decline

Highlights the beginning of a downward trend or reduction.

begin to lessen

Similar to decrease but suggests a more gradual reduction.

begin to decrease

Focuses on the action of diminishing over time.

initiate the decrease

More formal way of saying something will diminish.

commence falling

Emphasizes the initiation of a downward movement or decline.

start to descend

Implies a movement from a higher to a lower position.

initiate shedding

Implies the beginning of a process of releasing or losing something.

begin to release

Focuses on the act of setting something free or letting it go.

begin ejecting

Highlights the act of forcefully expelling or releasing something.

commence to unload

Emphasizes the starting of a removal or discharge of items.

FAQs

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

You can use "start dropping" to indicate the beginning of a decrease, release, or expulsion. For example: "Property prices will "start dropping soon"", or "The Royal Air Force will "start dropping aid"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "start dropping"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "begin to decrease", "commence falling", or "initiate shedding".

Is it correct to say "start to drop" instead of "start dropping"?

Both "start to drop" and "start dropping" are grammatically correct, but they may convey slightly different nuances. "Start dropping" often implies a continuous action, while "start to drop" can suggest a more general initiation of the action.

What does it mean when someone says they will "start dropping oppo"?

In a political context, "start dropping oppo" means to begin releasing damaging or negative information about an opponent. It's short for "opposition research".