What are the definitions of “drop off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take something or someone to a place and leave it or them there..
I DROPPED the kids OFF at school on my way to work.
- 2Fall asleep.
I DROPPED OFF during the play and woke up when it ended.
- 3Decrease in number or amount.
Sales have DROPPED OFF in the last few months.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drop off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drop off is to take someone or something to a place and leave them or it there. For example, it can mean taking your children to school, delivering a package, or giving someone a ride to a specific location.
What are the different verb forms of “drop off”?
| Root Verb | drop off |
| Third Person Singular Present | drops off |
| Present Participle | dropping off |
| Simple Past | dropped off |
| Past Participle | dropped off |
Example
I will drop off the package at the post office.
Example
She drops off her kids at school every morning.
Example
He is dropping off the donations at the charity center.
Example
Yesterday, they dropped off the clothes at the dry cleaner.
Example
The food has been dropped off at the shelter.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drop off”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“drop off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She dropped off the kids at school.
Example
He dropped the package off at the post office.
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 off” 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
She dropped off the kids at school.
Example
He dropped the package off at the post office.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drop off”?
Drop-off point
A designated location where people or goods can be left or collected.
Example
The bus drop-off point is just around the corner.
Good things to know
Does “drop off” have an informal or formal tone?
Drop off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as business meetings or written reports, depending on the specific context.
