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Drop off vs. Drop away

Drop off

/ˈdrɒp ɒf/

The phrasal verb "drop off" is primarily used in informal speech and writing, although it may occasionally appear in formal contexts, especially in general business communication. It has several meanings based on context: it can mean to decline or decrease, such as "sales have dropped off," to deliver someone or something, as in "I will drop you off at the station," or to fall asleep, like "I dropped off during the lecture." This versatility makes it a common part of everyday vernacular, often employed in conversations about logistics, travel, commerce, and routine activities. The context of usage dictates its meaning, so it’s essential to consider the surrounding conversation for accurate interpretation. "Drop off" is a separable phrasal verb, which means objects can be placed between "drop" and "off," as in "drop the package off." Its informal tone makes it less suitable for highly formal documents like legal texts or academic writing unless used metaphorically or in quoted speech.

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Drop away

/drɒp əˈweɪ/

The phrasal verb "drop away" is predominantly used in more informal contexts and less so in formal speech or writing. It generally describes a gradual decrease, decline, or loss of some quality, amount, or physical entity over time. This expression is often used when talking about numbers or groups of people diminishing, such as 'attendance at the concert started to drop away after the first act.' It can also metaphorically refer to interest, enthusiasm, or prices declining. "Drop away" conveys a sense of something weakening or disappearing gradually rather than abruptly. In formal contexts, alternative terms like "diminish," "decrease," or "decline" might be more commonly used. This phrasal verb is suitable in both everyday spoken English and in informal writing, such as blogs or casual narratives.

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Drop away is often used to describe something diminishing or decreasing over time.
Drop off can imply falling asleep or a reduction in numbers or level.
The phrase drop away suggests a gradual disappearance or lessening, while drop off suggests a more specific action or event.
Remember drop away for processes or trends, like interest or attention waning.
Use drop off to describe an action, such as leaving someone or something in a particular location or entering a state like sleep.

Master confusing words with ease

Drop off vs. Drop away

Drop off

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Drop away

Examples:

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

When to use drop off:

When to use drop away:

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