DROP : FALL

Topic 30

DROP : FALL

Drop is used both transitively and intransitively. Fall is always intransitive.

* She dropped the plate. The plate dropped out of her hand.

* The plate fell to the floor.

[fell is second form of fall]

In some cases the two verbs are interchangeable.

* The temperature has dropped (or fallen) ten degree since noon.

* The wind fell (or dropped).

Drop and fall are combined in numerous ways with preposition and adverbs.

* Several friends dropped in to tea (i.e. called without being specially invited).

* Seven of us can’t squash into this small car. Two of us had better drop out (i.e. give up the idea of going).

* He fell over the cat in the dark room (i.e. stumbled and fell).

* He has fallen out (i.e. quarrelled) with all his former friends.

* Our carefully made plans all fell through (i.e. came to nothing).