- To take someone or something to a particular place, usually by car, and leave them or it there.
- To deliver.
Explanation
Origin
- Combines drop (to let something fall or go) with off (indicating separation or completion of delivery).
- Likely related to the idea of letting someone or something 'drop' from your mode of transport once the destination is reached.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Give someone a lift / Give someone a ride (focuses on the transport, implies dropping off)
- (For things) Run this over to (implies a quick delivery)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not typically used with vulgarity unless expressing annoyance about the task: Do I have to drop this damn thing off myself?
Milder/Formal:
- Deliver (for items)
- Transport (more formal)
- Escort (if accompanying someone formally)
Situational Appropriateness
- Neutral.
- Common in everyday informal and semi-formal conversation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could potentially be confused with drop out (quit school/activity) if heard unclearly, but context usually makes it clear.
- Also, drop off can mean a decline or decrease (e.g., Sales dropped off), which is a different meaning.
Examples
- Can you drop me off at the station?
- I need to drop off this package at the post office.
- She dropped the kids off at school.
Dialogue
Context
Liam: Hey, are you heading towards downtown?
Chloe: Yeah, I am. Why?
Liam: Could you possibly drop me off near the library? It's on your way.
Chloe: Sure thing, hop in.
(Later)
Chloe: Here we are.
Liam: Great, thanks so much for the lift!
Social Media Examples
- Facebook Status: Quick trip to drop off some donations at the shelter. #community #givingback
- Tweet: Anyone heading from downtown to the airport around 5 PM? Need someone to drop off a small package for me! #carpool #deliveryneeded
- WhatsApp Message: Just dropped off the keys with the landlord. All done!
Response Patterns
- To a request: Sure, no problem. / Okay, where exactly? / Sorry, I'm going the other way.
- After being dropped off: Thanks for the ride! / Cheers!
- After dropping something off: Confirmation like Okay, done. or reporting back Package dropped off.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
When asked to drop someone/something off:
- Clarify location: Where exactly do you need to be dropped off?
- Clarify timing: What time do you need to be there?
After agreeing:
- The driver proceeds to the location.
- The person being dropped off usually says thank you upon arrival.
After dropping something off:
- Might confirm delivery: Package delivered. / Dropped it off successfully.
Conversation Starter
- Can be. Often used when making arrangements or asking for a favour. Hey, are you going past the station later? Could you drop me off?
Intonation
- Stress usually falls on DROP and the particle OFF.
- DROP me OFF. / Need to DROP OFF this PACKAGE.
Generation Differences
- Used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all major English-speaking regions.