drop by

No object

This verb takes no object at all.

How to say it

Stress the particle, not the verb: drop BY. Saying “DROP by” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.

Do not release the /p/. Before the consonant of “by” the stop is held and swallowed rather than popped — the same unreleased-stop move as in hot dog. One smooth unit: “drop by”.

What it means

To visit somewhere briefly, usually without arranging it first.
- “We'll drop by the store on our way home.”
- “Drop by any time — we're usually in.”
Similar: stop by, swing by

The particle logic

Movement past something, without stopping or with nothing to spare.

Listen + practice

Hear “drop by” spoken naturally

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More DROP phrasal verbs

Compare the whole family →

drop off

To deliver someone or something to a place and leave.

drop in

To visit unexpectedly.

drop out

To leave a course, school or competition before finishing.

drop by — meaning, examples & how to say it