SpeakUp

Meaning trap

drop off

take and leave

To take someone or something to a place and leave them there, usually by car.

phrasal verbB1core

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

take and leave

To take someone or something to a place and leave them there, usually by car.

drop off (fall asleep)

Another meaning of 'drop off' is 'fall asleep'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Could you drop me off at the train station on your way to work?daily life
  • In my hometown, parents usually drop off their children at school before going to work.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: drop (someone/something) off (at/in [place])

WrongCan you drop off me at the corner?

RightCan you drop me off at the corner?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'drop me off'.

Patterndrop (someone/something) off (at/in [place])

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Could you transport me to the station and leave me there?

Natural Could you drop me off at the station?

'Drop me off' is exactly what people say for a lift; the literal paraphrase is absurd in speech.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • drop + person + off
    the kidsmeat schoolon the way

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'pick up', which means to collect.

Try it in Daily Speak →