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).