Differences between stop by and drop by

Stop by and drop by are both used to describe a brief visit, but stop by implies a more intentional visit, while drop by suggests a more casual or unplanned visit.

Meanings and Definitions: stop by vs drop by

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Stop by

1Visit somewhere briefly or quickly.
I must STOP BY the supermarket and pick up some things for dinner.

Drop by

1Pay a brief visit.
He DROPPED BY on his way home from work.

Usage Examples: stop by, drop by in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

stop by

Example

I will stop by the store on my way home.

Example

She stops by her parents' house every weekend.

drop by

Example

I will drop by your house after work.

Example

She drops by her parents' house every weekend.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stop by

pay a visit

To visit someone for a short period of time.

Example

I'm going to pay a visit to my grandparents this weekend.

swing by

To visit someone or someplace briefly while on the way to another destination.

Example

I'll swing by your house on my way to the store.

pop in

To visit someone or someplace briefly and unexpectedly.

Example

I decided to pop in and say hello to my friend while I was in the neighborhood.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drop by

come over

To visit someone's home or location.

Example

Why don't you come over and we can watch a movie together?

stop in

To visit someone or someplace briefly and informally.

Example

I'm going to stop in at the coffee shop and grab a latte.

pop over

To visit someone's home or location briefly and informally.

Example

I'll pop over and drop off those books you wanted to borrow.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “stop”

Phrasal Verbs with “drop”

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

Differences in stop by vs drop by: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: stop by or drop by?

Both stop by and drop by are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, stop by is slightly more formal than drop by and is often used in professional settings.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stop by and drop by

Stop by is more formal than drop by and is often used in professional settings. Drop by is more informal and is commonly used in casual conversations with friends and family.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of stop by and drop by

The tone of stop by is more intentional and purposeful, while drop by is more casual and spontaneous.

stop by & drop by: Synonyms and Antonyms

Stop by

Synonyms

visit
drop in
drop by
call in
swing by
pop in
come by

Antonyms

Drop by

Synonyms

visit
stop by
call in
come by
swing by
pop in

Antonyms