Drop vs. Fall

synonyms

'Drop' and 'fall' are synonyms but they have a subtle difference in the manner of movement they signify. Follow the lesson to learn about their differences.

What is the difference between 'drop' and 'fall'?

Both 'drop' and 'fall' mean to move from a higher position to a lower position. However, 'drop' often implies a sharper or more sudden movement compared to 'fall'. This lesson will discuss this difference in the meaning of the two verbs.

Manner of Movement

'Drop' typically implies a sharp, sudden downward movement. It involves moving vertically downward without any obstacle or friction interrupting or limiting the movement. 'Fall', however, is more general in this respect and can imply both a rapid and sudden descent and a slower descent with friction or movement in a less sharp angle. Here are some examples:

He dropped the pen on the desk and it rolled off onto the floor.

The vase dropped from the shelf and shattered to pieces.

The leaves on the trees begin to fall in autumn.

You cannot use 'drop' in this sentence as it is referring to a gentle movement where the object faces resistance before reaching the ground.

She lost her balance and fell down the stairs.

Grammatical Difference

'Drop' can be both a transitive and an intransitive verb. As such, it can imply a natural or involuntary downward movement as well as a deliberate or accidental act of letting something move downward. 'Fall', on the other hand, is always intransitive and refers to a movement to a lower position or toward the ground, often due to gravity or loss of support. Furthermore, 'drop' cannot have a human subject in its intransitive use, while 'fall' can have both human and inanimate subjects.

The temperature is expected to drop below freezing tonight.

'drop' as an intransitive verb

She accidentally dropped her phone, and the screen cracked.

'drop' as a transitive verb. In this sentence you cannot use 'drop' and 'fall' interchangeably.

The hiker slipped and fell down the steep slope.

The snowflakes fell gently from the sky.

'fall' is always intransitive.

Similarity

In addition to a physical movement toward a lower position, both 'drop' and 'fall' can mean 'to decrease or become lower'. Additionally, they can both imply a significant decrease in amounts, prices, numbers, etc. For example:

The value of the currency fell sharply against other major currencies.

The value of the currency dropped sharply against other major currencies.

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