already asleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already asleep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is in a state of sleep prior to a certain time or event. Example: "By the time I got home, the children were already asleep in their beds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps I'm already asleep".

The Guardian - Books

"Given the hour, he was already asleep.

The New York Times

"They are already asleep," she said.

The New York Times - Style

"It was late, he was already asleep," he said.

Independent

An hour after takeoff, some are already asleep.

The New Yorker

I'm already asleep, and most spirited students would be, too.

The New Yorker

One shareholder in front of me is already asleep.

The Guardian - Business

I was already asleep in my Ascot bubble.

The New York Times - Travel

Back in my dorm, some people are already asleep.

The Guardian - Travel

"What was that?" But Sam is already asleep.

The New Yorker

"Touch" by Thom Gunn You are already asleep.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already asleep" to clearly indicate that someone was in a state of sleep before a specific event or time, avoiding ambiguity about when they fell asleep.

Common error

Avoid using "already asleep" when you mean someone is in the process of falling asleep. "Already asleep" implies a completed action before a certain point, not an ongoing transition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already asleep" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the state of being asleep prior to a specific time or event. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already asleep" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe the state of being asleep before a specific time or event. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in diverse contexts, from news articles to academic papers, indicating its neutrality and versatility. While alternatives like "fast asleep" or "sound asleep" can be used, "already asleep" specifically emphasizes the timing of the sleep state. Be mindful of using the correct tense and context to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound asleep

Emphasizes the depth and quality of sleep.

fast asleep

Indicates falling asleep quickly or being in a deep sleep.

sleeping soundly

Highlights the peaceful nature of sleep.

deep in slumber

Suggests a profound and immersive state of sleep.

out like a light

Implies falling asleep very quickly and suddenly.

off to dreamland

Euphemistic expression for going to sleep or being asleep.

gone to bed

Focuses on the action of going to sleep.

in a state of slumber

Describes sleep in a more formal and descriptive manner.

unconscious

Refers to the loss of consciousness, which includes sleep but also other states.

resting

A general term that includes sleep, but also quiet wakefulness.

FAQs

How can I use "already asleep" in a sentence?

You can use "already asleep" to describe someone who was sleeping before a particular event or time. For example, "When I arrived home, the children were "already asleep"".

What's a more formal way to say "already asleep"?

While "already asleep" is generally acceptable, you could use "in a state of slumber" or "unconscious" in more formal contexts. However, these alternatives might change the nuance slightly.

Is it correct to say 'all ready asleep' instead of "already asleep"?

No, "all ready asleep" is incorrect. "Already" is an adverb meaning 'before a specified time' or 'previously', whereas "all ready" means 'completely prepared'.

What can I say instead of "already asleep"?

You can use alternatives like "fast asleep", "sound asleep", or "sleeping soundly" depending on the specific context.