What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drop
Example
The temperature dropped significantly overnight. [drop: verb]
Example
She accidentally dropped her phone and cracked the screen. [dropped: past tense]
Example
The stock market experienced a sharp drop in prices. [drop: noun]
plunge
Example
The airplane plunged into a steep dive before stabilizing. [plunged: past tense]
Example
He decided to plunge into the icy water for a refreshing swim. [plunge: verb]
Example
The company's profits took a plunge after the scandal was revealed. [plunge: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drop is more commonly used than plunge in everyday language. Drop is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while plunge is less common and often reserved for more dramatic or intense situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drop and plunge?
Both drop and plunge can be used in formal and informal contexts, but drop is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.