"Drop by" is a phrasal verb commonly used in informal speech to describe the act of visiting someone casually or briefly, often without a prior appointment or for a specific purpose other than to see someone or something. It's frequently used in everyday conversation among friends, family, or colleagues when discussing plans or routines that involve stopping over at someone's place or a particular location. For instance, one might say, "I'll drop by your office tomorrow," indicating an informal, potentially unannounced visit. In formal contexts, especially in written communications such as business emails or official correspondence, alternatives like "visit" or "make a brief visit" are preferred due to their formality. "Drop by" emphasizes the unplanned, spontaneous nature of a visit, and is a reflection of a more relaxed social interaction pattern.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. Visit someone casually or informally for a short period.
I might drop by your house later to return the book I borrowed.
She said she would drop by after work to say hello.
If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee.
He often drops by his grandmother's place to make sure she's okay.
Anna decided to drop by Michael's office to see if he was free for lunch.