the temperature dropped

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "the temperature dropped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in temperature from one point in time to another. For example, "The temperature dropped from 90°F to 65°F in the span of only an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the temperature dropped.

The New Yorker

Then the temperature dropped".

The New York Times - Sports

As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply.

The New Yorker

Rain clouds appeared and the temperature dropped.

The New Yorker

Today the temperature dropped to -20º.

The Guardian - Books

The temperature dropped to 36 degrees.

The New York Times - Travel

The temperature dropped to about twenty-eight degrees.

The New Yorker

And Arctic cold – last winter the temperature dropped to -40C.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The waters kicked up, and the temperature dropped sharply.

The New York Times - Travel

Over the weekend, the temperature dropped 15 degrees.

The New York Times - Arts

The temperature dropped rapidly, Posada said, "like 20 degrees".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the temperature dropped" when describing a clear, measurable decrease in temperature. Provide context by specifying the degree change or the time frame over which it occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "the temperature dropped" when only a subjective feeling of coldness is meant without actual measurement. Instead, use phrases like "it felt colder" or "the air grew chillier".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the temperature dropped" functions as a statement describing a change in weather conditions. It provides specific information about the temperature decreasing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the temperature dropped" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a decrease in temperature. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase effectively communicates a change in weather conditions. Its prevalence in news media, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples, makes it a reliable choice for conveying factual information. Related phrases such as ""the temperature decreased"" offer stylistic alternatives, while understanding usage contexts can help avoid common errors. Its neutral register ensures it's suitable for a range of communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the temperature decreased

Replaces "dropped" with "decreased", offering a slightly more formal tone.

the temperature fell

Uses "fell" instead of "dropped", providing a more common and equally direct synonym.

there was a temperature drop

Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the drop as a distinct event.

the mercury plunged

Employs a more dramatic and vivid verb ("plunged") to describe a significant temperature decrease.

the weather turned colder

Shifts the focus to the overall weather condition becoming colder.

it got colder

A more informal way to express that the temperature decreased.

the chill set in

Focuses on the feeling of coldness arriving, rather than a specific measurement.

the air cooled down

Describes the air becoming cooler, a more general statement.

a cold snap occurred

Highlights a sudden, brief period of cold weather.

the heat subsided

Focuses on the reduction of heat, implying a drop in temperature from a previously warm state.

FAQs

How can I use "the temperature dropped" in a sentence?

You can use "the temperature dropped" to describe a decrease in temperature, such as "After the rain started, "the temperature dropped" significantly" or "Overnight, "the temperature dropped" below freezing".

What is a more formal way to say "the temperature dropped"?

A more formal alternative is "the temperature decreased". It conveys the same meaning with a slightly more technical tone.

Which is correct: "the temperature dropped" or "the temperature has dropped"?

Both are correct, but they imply different timeframes. "The temperature dropped" refers to a completed action in the past, while "the temperature has dropped" indicates a change that has occurred up to the present moment and may continue.

What's the difference between "the temperature dropped" and "it got colder"?

"The temperature dropped" is a more specific and quantifiable statement about a change in temperature. "It got colder" is a more general and subjective observation that the environment became colder.