DROP

DROP

1. drop IN

   • If you drop in on someone, you pay someone a casual or unexpected visit
   • Ali: You’re from London? That’s great! I fly there a few times a year on business. Larry: No kidding! Feel free to drop in next time you’re in town.
   • Beatrice: No one has heard from Ashleigh in days. I’ve left her numerous messages, but she hasn’t called me back. Do you think she’s mad at us? Phil: I doubt she’s mad, but she may be depressed. Let’s drop in on her this afternoon and see what’s up.

2. drop OUT

   • Someone who drops out of school leaves school before completing their studies.
   • his phrasal verb gives us a related noun, dropout, which is a person who has left school before completing their studies.
   • Shelby: One of my students dropped out of school when she was just 15 years old because she got pregnant. Now 20 years later, she’s about to earn her master’s. I’m so proud of her.

3. drop BEHIND

   • The phrasal verb ‘drop behind’ describes moving or falling into a position behind someone else. 
   • We can use this literally, like in a race or a queue, or we can use it figuratively to talk about falling behind a rival in business or in other competitive situations.
   • Andy: I really thought Earl Grey was going to win the race, but she dropped behind at the last minute and let Rapscallion take the lead.

4. drop OFF

   • A DROP-OFF: a decline or decrease.
   • If you drop off, you fall into a light sleep.
   • Kristin: I need to find a way to make my lectures more engaging. This is the second time I’ve caught someone dropping off during my class.

5. drop AWAY

   • When something drops away, it gradually becomes weaker in strength or fewer in number.
   • Carol: As I got to know him, my reservations about letting Mark watch my children dropped away. He turned out to be responsible, fun, and full of patience.