Phrasal verb
drop back
Definition
phrasal verb. to move into a lower position or a slower group during a race or competition.
phrasal verb. to move into a position behind others in a group, often due to a decrease in speed or performance; frequently used in sporting or military contexts.
Examples
“The runner started to drop back after the first mile.”
“He was leading the race for ten laps but began to drop back as his tires wore out.”
“As the lead cyclists accelerated into the final climb, several exhausted riders began to drop back toward the main group.”
Examples
simple
“The runner started to drop back after the first mile.”
contextual
“He was leading the race for ten laps but began to drop back as his tires wore out.”
complex
“As the lead cyclists accelerated into the final climb, several exhausted riders began to drop back toward the main group.”
Usage
often used with 'to' or 'into' to describe the new, lower position.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'fall behind', which is more general; 'drop back' often implies a deliberate or physical movement in a sequence or line.
Pitfall
He dropped back of the group.
He dropped back from the group.
use 'from' or 'behind' to show the relationship to the leaders, not 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
back
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
drop + back
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/drop-back