Meaning
The phrasal verb drop off has several meanings depending on the context:
- To take someone or something to a place and leave them/it there (e.g., by car, bus, etc.).
- To decrease or decline (e.g., numbers, sales, interest).
- To fall asleep (informal).
Grammar and Usage
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Verb type: Phrasal verb (transitive & intransitive).
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Common structures:
- drop sb/sth off (at …) → transitive
- sales dropped off → intransitive
- He dropped off while watching TV → intransitive
Examples of structures:
- drop sb/sth off at (place)
- numbers drop off
- sb drops off (to sleep)
Common Phrases
- drop off the kids at school
- drop off a package
- drop off to sleep
- sales drop off
Collocations
- drop off sharply / suddenly / gradually
- drop off in numbers / attendance / demand
- drop sb off at the station / airport / school
Examples
- Can you drop me off at the train station on your way to work?
- She dropped off the package at the post office.
- Attendance at the class dropped off after the first week.
- He was so tired that he dropped off during the movie.
- Sales usually drop off after the holiday season.
- I’ll drop the kids off at school before heading to the office.
- The number of visitors dropped off sharply in the afternoon.
- She dropped off to sleep as soon as she lay down.
Synonyms or Related
- deliver (for meaning 1)
- decline, decrease, diminish (for meaning 2)
- doze off, nod off, fall asleep (for meaning 3)
Antonym
- pick up (opposite of leaving someone/something)
- increase, rise, grow (opposite of decline)
- wake up (opposite of falling asleep)