be fast asleep

USAGE SUMMARY

"be fast asleep" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is sleeping deeply and soundly. Example: "After a long day of work, she was fast asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Fischer and Spassky must be fast asleep".

The New Yorker

Even if I still lived in Atlanta, I would be fast asleep by the time things got rolling at these places.

The New York Times

I want to share this joy with my family and friends, but they must be fast asleep in Korea right now".

The Guardian - Books

This battle royal will be played on a Sunday night, so if Harbaugh and Schwartz give each other the Curly and Moe treatment after the final gun, you will probably be fast asleep.

The New York Times

They'll sell just 111 orders today, the bulk during dinner, finally closing the loop started yesterday by Alvino and Peralta, who presumably will be fast asleep by then, dreaming, perhaps, of something other than potatoes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The song is a valentine to baseball and Bauer, for sure, but also about connection: the way all those lonely voices reach out on local sports radio in the wee hours when they should be fast asleep.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He was fast asleep.

Independent

Our leaders are fast asleep.

The New York Times

Soon he is fast asleep.

The Guardian

Most people are fast asleep.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You were fast asleep when I came".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be fast asleep" to vividly describe someone's deep sleep, emphasizing their peaceful and undisturbed state. This phrase is particularly effective in storytelling and descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in future tenses when describing a past event. For instance, instead of saying "He will be fast asleep yesterday", use "He was fast asleep yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fast asleep" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person or animal) to indicate a state of deep, sound sleep. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and provides real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be fast asleep" is a descriptive phrase indicating a state of deep sleep. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and common across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki content, the phrase effectively conveys information about someone's restful state. Alternatives like "be sound asleep" and "be deeply asleep" offer similar meanings with slight variations in intensity. Remember to use the correct tense and avoid misusing the phrase in future contexts when referring to past events. The phrase is versatile, suitable for both informal storytelling and more neutral reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sound asleep

Emphasizes the depth and peacefulness of sleep.

be deeply asleep

Highlights the intensity of sleep.

be in a deep sleep

Focuses on the state of being in a profound slumber.

be out like a light

Suggests a sudden and immediate entry into sleep.

be sleeping soundly

Indicates a restful and undisturbed sleep.

be in the land of nod

A more figurative and informal expression for being asleep.

be completely unconscious

Highlights a lack of awareness due to sleep, potentially more intense.

be dead to the world

Suggests a state of deep sleep where one is oblivious to external stimuli.

be in a coma

Indicates an extended state of unconsciousness, typically medically induced or due to injury.

be resting peacefully

Implies a tranquil state of sleep, often used in a gentle or euphemistic context.

FAQs

How can I use "be fast asleep" in a sentence?

You can use "be fast asleep" to describe someone in a deep, sound sleep. For example, "After the long journey, the children "were fast asleep" within minutes".

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

While "be fast asleep" is suitable for many contexts, a more formal alternative could be "be sound asleep" or "be deeply asleep", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "be fastly asleep"?

No, "be fastly asleep" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "be fast asleep", where "fast" is an adjective describing the state of being asleep.

What's the difference between "be fast asleep" and "fall fast asleep"?

"Be fast asleep" describes the state of being already asleep. "Fall fast asleep" describes the action of quickly entering a state of sleep. For example, "He was so tired that he "fell fast asleep" as soon as his head hit the pillow".