began to drowse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to drowse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of starting to fall asleep or becoming drowsy, often in a narrative context. Example: "After a long day at work, she settled into her chair and began to drowse, the warmth of the sun lulling her into a peaceful state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We began to drowse.

The New Yorker

She dried him off and dressed him in a diaper and pajamas, and Salvador lay back in her arms on the couch, clutching a handful of her hair as he drank his bottle and began to drowse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As people begin to drowse, experts said, their eye-blinks slow down, there are fewer of them and the eyes stay closed for a longer time.

The New York Times

Burton constructs the dual plotline with painstaking craft, and has a good ear for the ambient interruptions of nature: "the cicadas began to build their rasping wall of sound"; "Bees drowsing on the fat flower heads, farmers' voices calling, birdsong arpeggios spritzing from the trees".

The Guardian - Books

Fans began to leave.

The New York Times - Sports

He began to shoot.

The New Yorker

I began to eat.

The New Yorker

She began to cough.

The New Yorker

Annie began to run.

The New Yorker

She began to sob.

The New Yorker

He began to experiment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "began to drowse". While grammatically correct, it may sound slightly formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "started to get sleepy" might be more appropriate for everyday use.

Common error

Avoid using "began to drowse" excessively in contemporary writing, especially if aiming for a casual tone. Its somewhat archaic feel can disrupt the flow and make the writing seem unnatural. Reserve it for situations where a touch of formality or old-world charm is desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to drowse" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a state of drowsiness or light sleep. As Ludwig AI states, it describes the action of starting to fall asleep. The provided examples showcase its use in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "began to drowse" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the commencement of a sleepy state. While correct and usable, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively infrequent and leans towards more formal or descriptive writing. Alternative phrases like "started to doze off" or "began to drift off" might be more suitable for contemporary or casual contexts. When aiming for a gentle, almost imperceptible transition into sleep, "began to drowse" can add a touch of elegance to your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to doze off

Replaces "began" with "started" and "drowse" with the phrasal verb "doze off", emphasizing a light sleep.

started to fall asleep

Uses a more common and straightforward way to describe the action of starting to sleep.

began to drift off

Emphasizes the gradual transition into sleep, suggesting a gentle movement.

started to nod off

Focuses on the physical action of the head nodding, a common sign of drowsiness.

became sleepy

A simpler and more direct way of saying that someone started to feel sleepy.

began to feel drowsy

Highlights the sensation of drowsiness as the initial stage.

succumbed to sleepiness

Indicates a yielding to the feeling of needing to sleep, suggesting a loss of resistance.

entered a state of drowsiness

Describes the transition into a drowsy state in a more formal and clinical manner.

was overcome by sleepiness

Stresses that sleepiness was overwhelming and difficult to resist.

lapsed into slumber

A more poetic and less common way of saying someone started to sleep.

FAQs

What does "began to drowse" mean?

The phrase "began to drowse" means to start feeling sleepy or to gradually fall into a light sleep. It suggests a gentle transition into a drowsy state.

How can I use "began to drowse" in a sentence?

You can use "began to drowse" to describe someone's state of becoming sleepy. For example: "After the heavy meal, he "began to drowse" in his armchair."

What can I say instead of "began to drowse"?

You can use alternatives like "started to doze off", "started to fall asleep", or "began to drift off" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "began to drowse" formal or informal?

"Began to drowse" leans towards a more formal or literary style. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "started to get sleepy" might be more appropriate.