dog-tired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dog-tired" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is extremely tired or exhausted, often after a long day or strenuous activity. Example: "After working a double shift, I was completely dog-tired and fell asleep as soon as I got home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It is a contest that was designed to reward supreme stamina and fortitude, but at the same time nobody wants to see just a handful, or less, slogging home in super slow-mo, the rest pulled up dog-tired.

Independent

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

"I'm so dog-tired.

The New York Times

They reach their evening mooring, dog-tired and ravenously hungry.

The Guardian - Books

We'd just landed in Washington and I was dog-tired.

The New York Times

Asked how many Gujaratis attend the school, one dog-tired student replies, "They don't need to.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dog-tired" to vividly describe a state of extreme exhaustion, especially after physical exertion or a long day. It adds a touch of colloquialism to your writing.

Common error

Ensure you include the hyphen when using "dog-tired" as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., a dog-tired traveler). Without the hyphen, it can read awkwardly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dog-tired" functions primarily as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun to describe a state of extreme exhaustion. Ludwig AI analysis aligns with this, showcasing its prevalent use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Lifestyle

15%

Sports

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Books

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dog-tired" is a commonly used and grammatically sound compound adjective that vividly describes extreme exhaustion. It appears frequently in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sports contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For alternative expressions, consider "utterly exhausted" or "dead tired". Remember to use the hyphen when employing it as a compound adjective before a noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dead tired

A more direct and informal expression of extreme tiredness.

shattered

Implies being broken down by exhaustion.

utterly exhausted

Emphasizes the completeness of exhaustion.

completely drained

Focuses on the depletion of energy reserves.

bone-weary

Suggests a deep, penetrating level of tiredness.

spent

Indicates that all energy has been used up.

worn out

Highlights the effects of prolonged use or exertion.

ready to drop

Expresses the feeling of being on the verge of collapse due to tiredness.

knackered

A British slang term for being very tired.

fagged out

An informal term for being extremely tired.

FAQs

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

You can use "dog-tired" to describe a state of extreme exhaustion. For example, "After the marathon, I was completely dog-tired".

What can I say instead of "dog-tired"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly exhausted", "completely drained", or "dead tired" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "dog tired" instead of "dog-tired"?

While "dog tired" might be understood, "dog-tired" is the standard and grammatically correct form when used as a compound adjective. The hyphen connects the words, indicating they function as a single adjective.

What's the origin of the phrase "dog-tired"?

The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely stems from the idea of dogs being worn out after a long day of work, such as herding or hunting. The comparison emphasizes a deep level of fatigue.