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drop out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
drop out
leave school or a course earlylose connection

Meaning 1 · most common

leave school or a course early

  • drop out of sth

To stop attending school, college, or a course before you have finished it.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

He decided to drop out of university after his first year.

A: Did you hear about Sam? He dropped out of college last month.
B: Really? I thought he was enjoying his classes.

Common mistake

Not: He dropped out from school.

Say: He dropped out of school.

'Drop out OF' — not 'from'.

More on “leave school or a course early”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I could change one thing about my education, I would make it easier for students who drop out to return and finish their studies.

Tell it apart

He dropped out of college after a year.

  • quit before finishing

He graduated from college last year.

  • finished it

Goes with

  • drop out
Practice saying this
Next meaning: lose connection

Meaning 2

lose connection

call

  • the call dropped out
  • informal

If a call or connection drops out, it suddenly cuts off because the signal is weak.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Sorry, you dropped out for a second there — can you say that last bit again?

The call keeps dropping out — I think I've got a really bad signal here.

Common mistake

Not: You're dropping off, I can't hear you.

Say: You're dropping out, I can't hear you.

For a bad signal it's 'drop out' (or 'cut out'); 'drop off' means fall asleep.

More on “lose connection”Another example · Tell it apart · Tip

Another example

You keep dropping out — I can't hear you. (call cutting off)
He dropped out of university. (quit the course)

Tell it apart

You keep dropping out — I can't hear you.

  • call cutting off

He dropped out of university.

  • quit the course
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

leave school or a course earlylose connection