dog tired

USAGE SUMMARY

"dog tired" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used in informal contexts to describe a state of exhaustion. For example, "After a long day at work, I was feeling dog tired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I'm dog tired.

The New York Times

Yes, I am dog tired.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everyone was "dog tired," he said.

The New York Times

"They were dog tired," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

He's been up for two days and is dog tired.

The Guardian - Music

I have been dog tired since my teens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Dogs could do the same work, but security officials say that the dogs tire, lose interest and stop working, without indicating that they have done so.

The New York Times - Travel

Or, even worse, a "successful" lawyer at a big firm making his half million as he grinds away 70 hours a week and comes home every night dog-tired and depressed.

Huffington Post

Listening for soft sounds requires a quiet environment (often nonexistent in a disaster zone), and search-and-rescue dogs tire after about three hours in the field, he said.

Los Angeles Times

We're burning dinner because we're working out a plot line, or furtively jotting notes during a school concert, or suddenly walking the dog when the dog is tired and acting like a cement block at the end of the leash.

Huffington Post

The dog is tired because the sugar doesn't get taken up into the cells, so the dog runs low on fuel.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dog tired" to vividly express extreme exhaustion in informal settings. It adds color to your language and resonates with readers who have experienced similar levels of fatigue.

Common error

Avoid using "dog tired" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "exhausted" or "fatigued" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dog tired" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme exhaustion. It's often used predicatively, as seen in Ludwig's examples like, "I am dog tired."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dog tired" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express extreme exhaustion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most appropriate for informal contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it should be used cautiously in formal or professional writing where more sophisticated alternatives like "exhausted" or "fatigued" are preferred. Remember to use this phrase to add color to your writing when describing intense weariness in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly exhausted

Emphasizes complete depletion of energy.

completely worn out

Focuses on the depletion of one's physical or mental resources.

dead tired

Implies a state of extreme tiredness, almost to the point of collapse.

bone-weary

Suggests a deep, penetrating fatigue that affects even the bones.

ready to drop

Indicates an imminent collapse due to exhaustion.

totally knackered

A British slang term for being extremely tired.

spent

Implies that all energy has been used up.

fagged out

An informal term for being very tired and depleted.

drained

Suggests a loss of energy and vitality.

shattered

Conveys a sense of being broken down by tiredness.

FAQs

What does "dog tired" mean?

"Dog tired" is an informal idiom that means extremely tired or exhausted. It's used to describe a state of being completely worn out.

How can I use "dog tired" in a sentence?

You can use "dog tired" to describe your level of exhaustion, such as "After the marathon, I was "dog tired"." It is important to use it in informal conversations.

What are some alternatives to saying "dog tired"?

Alternatives include "utterly exhausted", "dead tired", or "completely worn out". These phrases convey similar meanings of extreme fatigue.

Is it appropriate to use "dog tired" in formal writing?

No, "dog tired" is considered an informal expression. In formal writing, it's best to use more professional terms like "exhausted" or "fatigued".