Was fast asleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Was fast asleep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is in a deep sleep, often implying that they are not easily awakened. Example: "After a long day at work, she was fast asleep by 9 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was fast asleep.

Independent

At midday, he was fast asleep.

The New York Times

Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

The Washington Post

"Within seconds, he was fast asleep".

The New Yorker

I was fast asleep and didn't hear it.

The Guardian - Sport

I was fast asleep before I could finish it.

The New York Times - Travel

Mata Hari was fast asleep in her prison bed.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Our leaders are fast asleep.

The New York Times

The manatees are fast asleep.

The Washington Post

Soon he is fast asleep.

The Guardian

Most people are fast asleep.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was fast asleep" to clearly indicate someone was in a deep, sound sleep, often to emphasize their unawareness of something happening around them. For example, "The baby was fast asleep when the fireworks started."

Common error

Avoid using "was fast asleep" when describing a light nap or a brief moment of dozing off. It's best suited for situations where someone is in a deep, undisturbed sleep.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was fast asleep" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate their state of being deeply asleep. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is commonly found in English, and the examples show it describing a state of profound sleep.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was fast asleep" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a state of deep sleep. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, often emphasizing unawareness or lack of response. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, predominantly within News & Media. Related alternatives include "was sound asleep" and "was deeply asleep", offering nuanced ways to express similar states. Using "was fast asleep" appropriately helps to vividly depict a character's condition, but should be avoided when describing light sleep or dozing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Was sound asleep

Emphasizes the undisturbed nature of the sleep.

Was deeply asleep

Highlights the depth of the sleep.

Was in a deep sleep

Focuses on the state of being in a profound slumber.

Was out like a light

Suggests a sudden and immediate onset of sleep.

Was sleeping soundly

Indicates peaceful and undisturbed sleep.

Was dead to the world

Emphasizes a complete unawareness of surroundings due to sleep.

Was completely unconscious

Highlights the lack of awareness, not necessarily only due to sleep.

Was in a slumber

Implies a gentle and peaceful state of sleep.

Was napping

Refers to a short period of sleep, usually during the day.

Was dozing

Describes a state of light sleep or drowsiness.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "was fast asleep"?

When someone "was fast asleep", it means they were in a deep sleep, often unaware of what was happening around them. It suggests a state of sound and undisturbed sleep.

Are there alternatives to saying someone "was fast asleep"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "was sound asleep", "was deeply asleep", or "was out like a light" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "was fast asleep" in formal writing?

Yes, "was fast asleep" is generally appropriate in formal writing, particularly when you need to clearly describe someone's state of deep sleep. However, consider the context and whether a more formal term like "in a deep sleep" might be more suitable.

How does the phrase "was fast asleep" differ from "was sleeping"?

"Was sleeping" is a general term for being in a state of sleep. "Was fast asleep" indicates a deeper, more profound state of sleep, suggesting the person is less likely to be easily awakened or disturbed. Think of the difference between dozing and being "sound asleep".