English Phrasal Verbs With “Drop”
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, and mastering them can significantly improve your fluency. The verb “drop” combines with various prepositions or adverbs to form phrasal verbs with distinct meanings. Below is a comprehensive guide to common phrasal verbs with “drop,” including their meanings, examples, and exercises.
1. Drop by
Meaning: To visit someone briefly and informally, often without prior notice.
- I’ll drop by your office later to discuss the project.
- She dropped by my house yesterday to return my book.
- Feel free to drop by anytime you’re in the neighborhood.
2. Drop off
Meaning: To deliver someone or something to a place; also means to decrease in quantity or quality.
- Can you drop me off at the train station on your way to work?
- Sales have dropped off significantly since last month.
- He dropped off the package at the post office.
3. Drop out
Meaning: To leave a course, school, or activity before completing it.
- She dropped out of college to start her own business.
- Many students drop out due to financial difficulties.
- He dropped out of the race after injuring his ankle.
4. Drop in
Meaning: Similar to “drop by,” meaning to visit someone casually.
- My cousin dropped in unexpectedly last night.
- You can drop in for coffee whenever you like.
- They dropped in on their way to the airport.
5. Drop back
Meaning: To move to a position behind others; also means to reduce effort or performance.
- The runner dropped back after leading for the first few laps.
- He dropped back in his studies after missing too many classes.
- The car dropped back to let the ambulance pass.
6. Drop behind
Meaning: To fall behind in progress or fail to keep up with others.
- She dropped behind in the race due to exhaustion.
- If you don’t study regularly, you’ll drop behind in class.
- The company dropped behind its competitors in innovation.
7. Drop away
Meaning: To decrease gradually or disappear.
- Support for the policy dropped away after the scandal.
- The crowd dropped away as the event ended.
- His enthusiasm dropped away after facing repeated failures.
8. Drop down
Meaning: To fall or move to a lower position.
- The cat dropped down from the tree safely.
- She dropped down to the floor to do some stretches.
- Temperatures dropped down below freezing last night.
9. Drop into
Meaning: To visit a place casually; also means to fall or sink into something.
- Let’s drop into the new café for a quick coffee.
- He dropped into the chair, exhausted after work.
- The coin dropped into the slot, and the machine started.
10. Drop over
Meaning: To visit someone informally, similar to “drop by.”
- Why don’t you drop over this weekend for a chat?
- She dropped over to borrow some sugar from her neighbor.
- We dropped over at their place on our way home.
Exercises
Test your understanding of phrasal verbs with “drop” by completing the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list to complete the sentences.
- drop by | drop off | drop out | drop back | drop behind
- Can you ____ my laptop at the repair shop today?
- Many students ____ of university because of high tuition fees.
- I’ll ____ your house later to return your umbrella.
- If you don’t study, you’ll ____ in your exams.
- The runner ____ after the first few kilometers.
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Drop by | a) To leave a course or activity |
| Drop off | b) To visit someone casually |
| Drop out | c) To deliver something |
| Drop back | d) To move behind others |
| Drop behind | e) To fail to keep up |
Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences
Create sentences using the following phrasal verbs:
- drop in
- drop away
- drop down
- drop into
- drop over