# drop(while:) Returns a sequence by skipping the initial, consecutive elements that satisfy the given predicate. ``` func drop(while predicate: (Self.Element) throws -> Bool) rethrows -> DropWhileSequence ``` ## Parameters `predicate` A closure that takes an element of the sequence as its argument and returns a Boolean value indicating whether the element should be included in the result. ## Return Value A sequence starting after the initial, consecutive elements that satisfy `predicate`. ## Discussion The following example uses the `drop(while:)` method to skip over the positive numbers at the beginning of the `numbers` array. The result begins with the first element of `numbers` that does not satisfy `predicate`. ``` let numbers = [3, 7, 4, -2, 9, -6, 10, 1] let startingWithNegative = numbers.drop(while: { $0 > 0 }) // startingWithNegative == [-2, 9, -6, 10, 1] ``` If `predicate` matches every element in the sequence, the result is an empty sequence. > Complexity: O(*k*), where *k* is the number of elements to drop from > the beginning of the sequence. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)