DROP OUT OF

"To drop out of life's race is to find the treasure often hidden from those who never pause in their pursuits."

đź“– Definition

Drop out of refers to the act of leaving a school, university, or any competitive environment before completing one's responsibilities or commitments.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

Drop out of refers to the act of leaving a school, university, or any competitive environment before completing one's responsibilities or commitments.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb cannot be split by an object.
Register
Informal
Commonly used in casual or conversational settings.
Transitive
No
Does not take a direct object; focus is on the subject leaving.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple drop out of Many students drop out of college each year.
Past Simple dropped out of He dropped out of the race before it finished.
Present Continuous dropping out of She is considering dropping out of the project.
Present Perfect have dropped out of They have dropped out of the competition already.

đź’ˇ When to Use

Leaving school or college
Use when someone leaves educational programs before completing their degree or diploma.
Example: "Jessica decided to drop out of university to pursue her music career."
Quitting an activity
Suitable when someone withdraws from a hobby, race, or project before its conclusion.
Example: "Mark dropped out of the marathon due to an injury."
Avoiding social competition
Applied when someone chooses to disengage from societal or career competition.
Example: "He dropped out of the corporate world to start his own business."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using in formal writing
❌ Wrong: She has drop out of school.
âś… Correct: She has dropped out of school.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember to use the correct past participle form 'dropped'.
Incorrect preposition
❌ Wrong: He dropped in school.
âś… Correct: He dropped out of school.
đź’ˇ Tip: The phrasal verb requires 'out of' to indicate leaving.
Omitting 'of'
❌ Wrong: Mary dropped out the course.
âś… Correct: Mary dropped out of the course.
đź’ˇ Tip: Always complete the phrase with 'out of'.
Practice

DROP OUT OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

withdraw from exit

Antonyms

enroll in

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She decided to ___ the program after three months."

enter out of
drop out of
join out of
stay out of

In Context

In 1969, John Lennon, the iconic member of The Beatles, famously dropped out of the rat race that was the music industry at its height. Dissatisfied with the constant pressure and public attention, Lennon chose to drop out of the public eye and focus on his personal life. He retreated with Yoko Ono, seeking peace and quiet, away from the limelight that The Beatles brought. His decision to drop out of the overwhelming demands of fame and fortune shocked the world, as many couldn't comprehend a star choosing a quieter life. Lennon spent these years in the Dakota building in New York City, devoting himself to family life and his relationship with Yoko. This period of dropping out of the music scene didn't mean he stopped creating; it simply meant he did so on his terms. Lennon’s choice proved to be pivotal, influencing countless fans and musicians to consider the pace at which fame demands their participation. By the time of his tragic death in 1980, his legacy was defined as much by his brilliance in music as by his courage to step back. Thus, dropping out of the typical pathway opened new avenues of expression and introspection for Lennon, leaving an indelible mark on both his personal life and career.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Drop Out Of

What is the origin of drop out of?

+
The expression 'drop out' gained popularity in the 1960s during the counterculture movement, signifying a withdrawal from societal norms or structures.

Can drop out of be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Drop out of' is typically informal, more common in conversational or casual writing. Use alternatives like 'withdraw' in formal contexts.

What is the difference between drop out of and withdraw from?

+
'Drop out of' is informal, implying an informal exit, while 'withdraw from' is formal, used in official settings like academic or professional contexts.
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

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



0%
Scroll to Top