Meaning of "drop me a line"

[Jojo]

Test No. express/elem-3 "Take it easy", question 7

Don't forget to drop me a line when you're away.

(a) telephone me
(b) call me
(c) write to me
(d) send me a telegram

Test No. express/elem-3 "Take it easy", answer 7

Don't forget to write to me when you're away.

Correct answer: (c) write to me

Your answer was: incorrect
Don't forget to telephone me when you're away.
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why is it incorrect?

Jojo

[Alan]

This means write me (a line).
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Mike]

Strictly speaking this might have been where the phrase came from but it's fairly informal so people wouldn't take you that litterally.
If someone said that to you they wouldn't be too surprised if you were to call, sms/text, email, etc.

[Alan]

Hi,

I think you should take it literally because that's exactly what it means - write me (a line). If you were going to use other forms of communication, you would say:

Email me/Phone me/Text me and so on, wouldn't you?

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Progressive Forms

[Tnels]

Is this something that is different in the UK vs the US??

I've never heard it used in the context of writing a letter. It may have origins there but changed over time? ie the meaning then was that the person would contact someone (means at the time was a written letter), now however contacting someone on a day to day basis would likely be a phone call or text.

As languages are ever evolving it's really interesting to learn where things came from and this history provides a wonderful depth and understanding - but - there's also value in knowing slang and what the general understanding of a word is, even if it's technically wrong, as this is likely the context students will be communicating in.

Just my two cents :)

[Beeesneees]

If someone said they were going to drop me a line, I'd expect a letter.
If they said they were going to give me a bell, I'd expect a phone call.
If they said they were going to ping me - I'd expect an e-mail.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Tnels]

Interesting!! Do you know if this a U.S./U.K. difference? I've had roommates from other English speaking countries and we had many conflicting understandings about vocab and phrases... it's always fun to find the different nuances between the cultures!

[Expatcat]

To my grandmother, drop me a line meant to send a letter. For my (American) generation, it simply means contact me, usually on the telephone line.

[Torsten]

Hi Expatcat, so are you saying that in American English drop me a line can mean the following?
- send me a text message
- call me on my on the phone (cell phone as well as land line)
- send me an email
- send me a letter

Also, is there already an American dictionary that has this definition or is used in spoken American English by representatives of your generation only? I've googled the phrase and all I could find was that it means 'written communication'. (drop a line - communicate (with) in writing; "Write her soon, please!")

TOEIC short conversations: HR person reviews work performance of employee.

[Tnels]

try www.urbandictionary.com

some words are more obscure or just really new but they're usually right!

[Beeesneees]

They are certainly a source of new and wondrous information, but I'm not sure I want to know about some of the things they define!!
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Cheers m' dears!

[Linaseattle]

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Hi Jojo,
I am also a learner but I live in the US. When I have got a conference at Renaissance Hotel, Cleveland Ohio, on the notebook they give to all of us is written 'In case you drop a line...' means that it is a writing expression....Thanks to all of you for having time with us.
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I am looking for a skype partner to practice my English.

[Expatcat]