take a drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a drop" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to consuming a small amount of alcohol or to describe a decrease in something, such as prices or levels. Example: "After a long week, I decided to take a drop of whiskey to unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"When you're in big waves and you take a drop, you lose your mind.

The New York Times

The ball was unplayable, forcing Woods to take a drop and a penalty stroke.

The New York Times - Sports

The Texan had to take a drop after landing his second shot in a bush.

The Guardian - Sport

After a few anxious moments, Martin climbed out and decided to take a drop and a penalty stroke.

The New York Times - Sports

The chairman of the tournament committee, Will Nicholson, agreed with Els and allowed him to take a drop.

The New York Times - Sports

He was short and right off the tee, into the knee-high stuff again, and had to take a drop.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"He took a drop to gain an advantage".

The New York Times - Sports

After Casey's ball is found unplayable, Casey takes a drop, with a stroke penalty.

The New Yorker

After taking several minutes to decide what to do, Mickelson took a drop.

The New York Times - Sports

He took a drop and pitched to 5 feet before finishing a shot behind Goosen.

The New York Times - Sports

Martin took a drop pass from Igor Larionov and skipped a shot past Kolzig at 2 25.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In golf context, always check if the rules allows the player to "take a drop" without penalty

Common error

Avoid using "take a drop" in formal business or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for terms like "decrease", "decline", or "reduction" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a drop" functions as an idiomatic expression, often used as a verb phrase within a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it signifies either consuming a small amount of something (usually liquid) or experiencing a slight decrease or reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Sports

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science & Research

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a drop" is a versatile idiomatic expression that signifies either consuming a small amount, often liquid, or experiencing a slight decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and sports contexts. While suitable for informal and neutral registers, more formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives like "decrease" or "decline". Understanding these nuances will enable writers to effectively incorporate "take a drop" or its alternatives into their writing, ensuring clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop a little

Indicates a small reduction or decrease.

have a sip

Focuses specifically on consuming a small amount of liquid.

decrease slightly

Emphasizes a small reduction in quantity or level.

experience a decline

Highlights a downturn or fall in a particular aspect.

consume a small amount

General term for ingesting a small portion of something, not necessarily liquid.

suffer a loss

Focuses on the negative consequence of a decrease or drop.

ingest a bit

Refers to eating or drinking something in a small quantity.

decline marginally

Expresses a slight decrease or fall.

fall slightly

Highlights a reduction or fall in a specific area.

partake in a little

Suggests consuming a small quantity, usually in a social context.

FAQs

How is "take a drop" used in golf?

In golf, "take a drop" refers to the action of moving the ball away from an unplayable lie, such as a water hazard or out-of-bounds area, typically incurring a penalty stroke. It allows the player to continue playing while adhering to the rules of the game.

What does it mean to "take a drop" in salary negotiations?

In salary negotiations, to "take a drop" means to accept a lower salary than previously earned or expected. This often occurs when changing jobs or when a company is facing financial difficulties.

What can I say instead of "take a drop" when referring to consuming alcohol?

When referring to consuming alcohol, you can use alternatives like "have a sip", "have a drink", or "sample a taste" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take a drop" when referring to a small decrease in prices?

Yes, it is correct to say "take a drop" when referring to a small decrease in prices. For example, "The price of gasoline might "fall slightly" or "take a drop" next week".