925 English – Lesson 44: Phrasal Verbs using Drop

Hi, Tim here with another 925 English lesson. In today’s lesson we’re going to look
at phrasal verbs using the verb “drop.”

As you may already know, a phrasal verb is an expression with a verb and a preposition.
For example, we say “turn on” and “turn off” a light or computer. From these common
examples, you can see that one verb might combine with different prepositions to make
different meanings. And in this lesson, we’ll look at how different prepositions combine
with the verb “drop” to form some common expressions.

When you hear the verb “drop,” you probably think of something falling. When you
drop your phone, for example, it falls to the ground. So what do you think the phrasal
verb “drop off” might mean?

Well, if something “drops off,” then it decreases. In this case, we’re talking about
something that can be measured or counted. And it’s not something that you
decrease. For example, you can’t “drop off the speed of your car.” Instead, it’s used
when things decrease on their own.

Let’s try some practice with this phrasal verb “to drop off.” Listen to each example,
then repeat it for yourself. Here we go!

§ I’m a bit worried that sales have dropped off the last two months.
§ Complaints about our website dropped off after we made some changes.

As you can see, “to drop off” is used to say something decreases. But we don’t say
that you “drop something off.”

Oh, wait! Actually, we can say “drop something off,” but it doesn’t mean “to decrease.”
If we’re using this phrasal verb with an object, then we’re talking about delivering
something. If I “drop off a gift” at your house, then I’m bringing you a gift.

Let’s try some more examples with “to drop off” meaning to deliver. Remember to
repeat the examples after you hear them.

§ Could you drop this package off at the post office later today?
§ I’ll drop off those product samples next week when I’m in town.

Note that the object can come after “drop off,” or between “drop” and “off.” Many phrasal
verbs work this way. But you should remember that if you’re using a pronoun, like “him”
or “it” or “them,” then it always comes between the verb and the preposition.

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Now, what if I come to your house not to deliver something, but just to visit? What
if you go to a place to meet someone? In this case, we use the phrasal verb “drop
by” or “drop in.” If you mention a place, use “drop by.” If you don’t mention a place,
then use “drop in.”

Let’s try using “drop by” and “drop in” with some more examples. Once again, repeat
the examples after you hear them.

§ Please drop in any time you’re in the city.

§ Hello Addie, if I drop by the office this afternoon, will you be there?

You might notice that when you drop by or drop in, you’re visiting informally. You’re not
setting a time and schedule for a meeting. Rather, you’re visiting without a clear plan.

Now, there’s one more phrasal verb with “drop” that I want to cover. Have you ever
decided to quit a course, or program, or contest? The common way to talk about this
is to say that you “dropped out.” For example, I might say “Jake dropped out of his
course because it didn’t work for his schedule.”

Let’s practice “to drop out” with a couple of examples. Repeat the examples after you
hear them.

§ I dropped out of the MBA program because I was just too busy.
§ Two candidates for the job dropped out because they found other work.

So we’ve practiced several phrasal verbs that include the verb “drop.” But how do
these expressions sound in a conversation? Let’s listen to a short dialog between
Sonja and Tom. Sonja is asking Tom for a favor.

Sonja: Where are you headed Tom?

Tom: I’m going to drop by our lawyer’s office downtown.
Sonja: Oh, in that case could you take this file with you?
Tom: Sure thing, I’ll drop it off with the receptionist.

Now it’s your turn to practice. We’ll repeat the dialog, but this time we’re going to
beep out the second speaker’s words. You will have to say those parts yourself.
Remember to start by saying you’re going to “drop by” the lawyer’s office. Then tell
Sonja that you will “drop off” her file with the receptionist.

Sonja: Where are you headed Tom?

Tom: I’m going to drop by our lawyer’s office downtown.
Sonja: Oh, in that case could you take this file with you?
Tom: Sure thing, I’ll drop it off with the receptionist.

Okay, that’s all for this lesson about phrasal verbs. We’ve looked at several
expressions about using “drop,” including “drop off,” “drop by,” and “drop out.” We’ll
be back soon with some more useful English expressions.

Until then, so long and happy learning!

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Language Review

A. Prepositions

Prepositions are small words that show the relationships between things or ideas.
They’re also an important part of phrasal verbs. Look at the prepositions below and
put them in the correct blanks in the sentences. You will need to use one of the
prepositions twice.

off by out
1. If you’re downtown sometime this week, please drop __________ our office.
2. As a student, I dropped __________ of accounting and decided to pursue a
degree in marketing instead.
3. It looks like sales have dropped __________ a bit over the past month.
4. If you’re around this afternoon, maybe I can drop __________ some product
samples!

B. Review Quiz

1. If you use a pronoun like “it” or “them” with “drop off,” the pronoun comes
________ the phrasal verb.

a) before
b) in the middle of
c) after
d) all of the above

2. Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.

Tammy told me to ________ if I was ever in the neighborhood.

a) drop off
b) drop in
c) drop on
d) drop to

3. What types of things can you “drop out of”? [choose all that apply]

a) a contest
b) a program
c) a course
d) a job

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4. Which of the following sentences show incorrect use of “drop off?”

a) I think we should drop off our production levels.

b) I understand profits have dropped off a bit.
c) The number of job applicants has dropped off recently.
d) Hopefully the number of users doesn’t drop off too much.

5. If you say you “drop by” someone’s house, then it means you are visiting…

a) … because you have arranged a specific time.

b) … on business.
c) … even though they don’t want you to.
d) … informally.

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Answers

A. Prepositions

1. by
2. out
3. off
4. off

B. Review Quiz

1. b; 2. b; 3. a, b, c; 4. a; 5. d

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