dozing off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dozing off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an informal phrase that is most often used to describe someone falling asleep, particularly when they are in the process of doing so. For example, "We sat by the fire, gradually dozing off as the flames died down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was dozing off".

The New York Times

Try dozing off while reading that!

The New Yorker

Dozing off is encouraged, executives say.

The Washington Post

As I was dozing off, someone knocked on the door.

The New Yorker

"Nobody's dozing off," offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was just dozing off, then Ben Howard came on.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Vierny soon began dozing off at her posing sessions.

The New York Times - Arts

Others not so much – a loud pop awoke those dozing off from hunger.

Cornell University

And some even did, dozing off on the furniture displays in department stores offering predawn deals.

The New York Times

And some even did, dozing off on the furniture displays in department stores _______ predawn deals.

The New York Times

"People don't realize, you start dozing off, it's not a good thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dozing off" to describe falling asleep unintentionally or in a place not typically associated with sleeping.

Common error

Avoid using "dozing off" to describe someone in a deep, restful sleep. "Dozing off" implies a light, often unintentional sleep, so phrases like "sound asleep" or "deeply sleeping" are more accurate for describing a state of profound slumber.

Linguistic Context

Dozing off functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the process of falling into a light sleep, often unintentionally. The examples in Ludwig show its use in various scenarios, from watching TV to attending a lecture. It describes an action rather than a state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Dozing off is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes the act of falling into a light sleep, frequently unintentionally. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence in news and media, as well as informal contexts. While considered informal, it's widely understood and accepted. Be mindful of the context when using "dozing off"; it is best suited for casual settings and less appropriate for formal or scientific discourse. Alternative phrases such as "drifting off to sleep" or "falling asleep" may be more suitable depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and common usage of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drifting off to sleep

This alternative more explicitly references the act of transitioning into sleep.

Nodding off

This suggests a brief, involuntary instance of falling asleep, often while sitting.

Falling asleep

This is a more general and straightforward way to describe the action of entering a sleep state.

Drifting into slumber

This alternative is more poetic and literary, implying a gentle transition into sleep.

Snoozing

This implies a light and brief sleep.

Catching some z's

This is an informal idiom for sleeping.

Lapsing into unconsciousness

This emphasizes the loss of awareness associated with sleep.

Becoming drowsy

This refers to the state of feeling sleepy, often leading to dozing off.

Succumbing to sleep

This emphasizes the overpowering nature of sleepiness.

Taking a catnap

This refers to a short, light sleep, often during the day.

FAQs

How can I use "dozing off" in a sentence?

You can use "dozing off" to describe the act of falling asleep lightly or unintentionally. For example, "I started "dozing off" during the movie because I was so tired."

What's a more formal way to say "dozing off"?

While "dozing off" is generally acceptable, a more formal alternative might be "succumbing to sleep" or simply "falling asleep", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "nodding off" and "dozing off"?

"Nodding off" typically refers to a brief, often involuntary, instance of falling asleep, especially while sitting upright. "Dozing off", on the other hand, is a more general term for gradually falling asleep.

Is it correct to say "I was dozing off on my own addiction"?

While grammatically correct, using "dozing off" in the context of "my own addiction" is metaphorical and less common. It suggests a gradual loss of awareness or control over the addiction. It's a valid, but potentially less direct, way of expressing the idea.