Phrasal verb
drop by
Meanings
to visit someone for a short time, often informally
Definition
To drop by means to visit someone briefly, often without a formal plan.
If you drop by, you go to see someone for a short time, usually in a casual and friendly way. It often suggests the visit is not very formal and may be unplanned or loosely planned. People use it for quick social visits to a home, office, or shop.
Examples
- I’ll drop by after work to return your book.
- Can you drop by my office for a quick chat?
- He dropped by his grandparents’ house on his way home.
- She dropped by the café to say hello to a friend.
- They dropped by our place for ten minutes before the movie.
Common mistake
Learners often say "drop by to my house," but drop by is used without to (say "drop by my house").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.