Phrasal verb
drop off
Meanings
To take someone or something to a place and leave them/it there.
To fall asleep, especially gradually or unintentionally.
To decrease in number, amount, or intensity.
Definition
To drop off means to leave someone or something at a place and then go away.
To drop off often means to take a person or thing somewhere and leave it there. It can also mean to fall asleep, or to become fewer or weaker over time. The exact meaning is usually clear from the context.
Examples
- I can drop off the package at your office after lunch.
- She dropped off her kids at school and headed to work.
- They will drop off the rental car at the airport early tomorrow.
- He dropped off during the movie because he was exhausted.
- Attendance dropped off after the first week of classes.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "drop off" (leave somewhere) with "pick up" (collect from somewhere).
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.