drop a line
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (Phrasal Verb): - To write a brief letter or message to someone: The phrase "drop a line" means to write and send a short, informal communication, such as a letter, note, or email, to someone.
Usage
- This phrasal verb is informal and friendly. It is used to suggest or remind someone to send a quick written update.
- It is typically used with the preposition "to" to specify the recipient (e.g., "drop a line to someone").
- The direct object (e.g., "a line") is rarely separated in this idiom. You "drop someone a line" or "drop a line to someone."
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Drop a few lines": A common variation meaning to write a slightly longer, but still informal, message.
- She dropped a few lines to her colleague to explain the situation.
Variants and Related Words
- Write (verb): A more general and neutral term for producing written text.
- Correspond (verb): To communicate by exchanging letters, typically over a period of time (more formal).
- Pencil in (phrasal verb): To make a tentative appointment or note. This is related to writing but has a different meaning.
- Let's pencil in a meeting for next week.
Synonyms
- Send a note: To dispatch a brief written message.
- Write a letter: To compose a written message, which may be longer.
- Dash off a note: To write something quickly and informally.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Drop in: To visit someone informally without a prior arrangement.
- Feel free to drop in for tea anytime.
- Drop off: To deliver something or someone to a place.
- Can you drop this package off at the post office?
Related Idioms
- Put pen to paper: To begin writing something.
- After thinking for days, he finally put pen to paper and started his novel.
- Dash off: To write or compose something very quickly.
- She dashed off an email before leaving the office.
Verb
- communicate (with) in writing
- Write her soon, please!