Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Drop Off'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "drop off" means to deliver something or someone to a certain place, or to fall to sleep. It also describes a decline or reduction.

Examples in context

Every morning I drop off my daughter at school before heading to work.
After a heavy meal, I often drop off into a deep sleep.
The number of tourists has dropped off significantly this year.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "drop off" means to deliver something or someone to a certain place, or to fall to sleep. It also describes a decline or reduction.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'drop' and 'off' or after 'off'.

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	drop off	I will drop off the books at the library later.
Past Simple	dropped off	She dropped off the package yesterday.
Present Continuous	dropping off	He is dropping off his sister at school.
Present Perfect	have dropped off	They have dropped off the supplies as planned.

💡 When to Use

delivering something

Use when referring to leaving or delivering someone or something at a place, often temporarily.

Example: "I need to drop off my dry cleaning before 10 AM."

falling asleep

Use to describe entering sleep quickly, usually unintentionally.

Example: "I dropped off as soon as I lay in bed."

describing a decline

Use to denote a decrease in quantity or quality over a period of time.

Example: "Consumer interest has dropped off in recent months."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

using as intransitive

❌ Wrong: I will drop off at the store.

✅ Correct: I will drop the package off at the store.

💡 Tip: Remember that 'drop off' needs an object.

incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: He dropp off the kids at school.

✅ Correct: He dropped off the kids at school.

💡 Tip: Ensure the verb 'drop' is correctly conjugated.

using wrong noun placement

❌ Wrong: She off will drop the parcel.

✅ Correct: She will drop off the parcel.

💡 Tip: Keep 'drop' and 'off' together when not separating with an object.

Practice

DROP OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Every morning I drop off my daughter at school before heading to work.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

After a heavy meal, I often drop off into a deep sleep.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The number of tourists has dropped off significantly this year.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

deliver deposit

Antonyms

pick up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Can you ___ the documents at the office on your way?"

drop

drop off

dropping

drops

"As the sun sets, remember that what you drop off in life often returns with a brighter light than it left."

In Context

During World War II, courier missions were critical to the success of many operations. A young courier named Jean, operating in France, was one of the unsung heroes. She had to drop off crucial information at specified locations. One particular night, Jean rode through the dark alleys of Lyons, her heart racing with the fear of discovery. The mission was clear: drop off the concealed documents at the base camp by dawn. As she neared her destination, enemy patrols thickened. Her quick thinking and knowledge of backstreets allowed her to avoid capture. Finally, she arrived, weary but undetected, to drop off the packages that would influence future tactical decisions. This success earned her the trust to drop off further sensitive material in subsequent missions. Her bravery not only provided vital contributions to the war effort but also inspired many in the resistance movement. Over the years, stories of people like Jean remind us of the profound impact of small, courageous acts and the significance of each drop off in history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Drop Off

What is the origin of drop off?

The phrasal verb "drop off" dates back to the late 19th century, derived from the literal action of letting something fall or decline from a higher position to a lower one.

Can drop off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'drop off' is versatile and can be used in both contexts. It's commonly heard in casual conversation but also fits more formal writing and speech.

What is the difference between drop off and deliver?

While both imply transporting something to a place, 'drop off' often evokes a casual, temporary action. 'Deliver' suggests a fixed duty, task completion, or formal connotation.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

DROP OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Drop Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega