What are the definitions of “drop away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become smaller- amount, numbers.
The numbers of people attending began the DROP AWAY after a few months.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drop away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drop away is to become smaller in amount or numbers. It is often used to describe a decrease in the number of people, objects, or the intensity of something.
What are the different verb forms of “drop away”?
| Root Verb | drop away |
| Third Person Singular Present | drops away |
| Present Participle | dropping away |
| Simple Past | dropped away |
| Past Participle | dropped away |
Example
The leaves on the tree started to drop away as autumn approached.
Example
The crowd drops away as the concert comes to an end.
Example
The number of attendees is dropping away as the event goes on.
Example
The temperature dropped away quickly after the sun set.
Example
The support for the project had dropped away over time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drop away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“drop away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The number of people attending the event dropped away.
Example
The temperature dropped away as the night went on.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“drop away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The number of people attending the event dropped away.
Example
The temperature dropped away as the night went on.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drop away”?
Good things to know
Does “drop away” have an informal or formal tone?
Drop away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations.
