What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drop
Example
The stock market experienced a sudden drop in prices. [drop: noun]
Example
She dropped the vase and it shattered into pieces. [dropped: verb]
Example
The temperature is expected to drop significantly tonight. [drop: verb]
decrease
Example
We need to decrease our expenses to save money. [decrease: verb]
Example
There has been a decrease in the number of students attending the school. [decrease: noun]
Example
The intensity of the storm is expected to decrease as it moves away from the coast. [decrease: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decrease is more commonly used than drop in everyday language. Decrease is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while drop is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drop and decrease?
Decrease is more formal than drop. While decrease can be used in technical or scientific contexts, drop is typically associated with a casual or informal tone and is less appropriate for formal writing or speech.
