Phrasal verb
drop around
Definition
phrasal verb. to visit someone's home for a short time, usually without making a formal plan first.
phrasal verb. to pay an informal, often spontaneous visit to a person's residence; typically used as an intransitive verb or with a prepositional phrase.
Examples
“I might drop around later to see how you are.”
“If you are free this evening, why don't you drop around for a quick cup of coffee?”
“While we were busy unpacking the last of the boxes, our new neighbors decided to drop around and introduce themselves with a plate of cookies.”
Examples
simple
“I might drop around later to see how you are.”
contextual
“If you are free this evening, why don't you drop around for a quick cup of coffee?”
complex
“While we were busy unpacking the last of the boxes, our new neighbors decided to drop around and introduce themselves with a plate of cookies.”
Usage
highly informal and implies a brief, casual visit rather than a long stay.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'drop off' (to leave something) or 'drop by' (a near-synonym); 'around' often suggests a more relaxed or local context than 'by'.
Pitfall
I will drop around the office tomorrow.
I will drop by the office tomorrow.
'drop around' usually implies a social visit to a home, whereas 'drop by' is better for professional or quick stops.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
drop + around
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/drop-around