drifting in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifting in" is grammatically correct and may be used in written English.
It typically refers to something gradually entering a particular space or situation. For example, you could say "The sound of the wind drifted in through the open window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was job hunting, drifting in Paris.

The New York Times

The probe was left drifting in space.

The New York Times

Both teams are drifting in 2016, and it shows.

Independent

We began drifting in behind him, almost guiltily.

The New Yorker

Peoples come and go, drifting in the mists of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drifting in the very strong winds will cause even greater accumulations in places".

Independent

Soon, however, tales of disaster started drifting in from out-of-town tryouts.

The New Yorker

Costello, drifting in the deep end, sees a cloud of red needles floating over the wall.

The New Yorker

Fish leaves while Adam is drifting in and out, his face blank, almost beatific.

The New Yorker

So now she just lay there tethered to her pumps, drifting in and out of consciousness.

The New Yorker

Thousands more are believed to be drifting in small boats, without fuel or supplies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifting in" to describe a gentle or passive movement into a space or state, often suggesting a lack of control or direction. For instance, "The aroma of coffee was drifting in from the kitchen."

Common error

Avoid using "drifting in" to describe actions that are forceful or intentional. The phrase implies a lack of control or a gentle, gradual movement, so it's inappropriate to say something like, "The protesters were drifting in to the parliament". Instead, use verbs like "marching", "storming", or "entering".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting in" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating a manner of movement or entry. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a gradual or passive introduction, emphasizing a lack of force or direction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "drifting in" serves as a versatile and descriptive way to portray gentle or passive entry, often lacking intentionality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and sees prevalent use across a spectrum of contexts, particularly within news, media, and descriptive writing. While maintaining a generally neutral register, careful attention should be paid to avoid misapplication in scenarios involving forceful or directed actions. By considering these guidelines, you can harness the evocative power of "drifting in" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

floating in

This alternative describes a state of being suspended in a fluid or air, implying a lack of control and direction, similar to "drifting in".

gliding into

This suggests a smooth, effortless entry, emphasizing the ease of movement into a particular place or state, comparable to "drifting in".

meandering into

This implies a winding, indirect path of entry, suggesting a lack of directness or purpose, aligning with the undirected nature of "drifting in".

flowing into

This describes a smooth, continuous movement into a space or state, emphasizing the seamless transition inherent in "drifting in".

seeping into

This suggests a gradual, almost imperceptible entry, highlighting the subtlety and lack of force associated with "drifting in".

sliding into

This implies a smooth, uncontrolled movement into a particular situation or place, mirroring the effortless aspect of "drifting in".

settling into

This describes a gradual process of becoming comfortable or established in a new environment or situation, reflecting the passive nature of "drifting in".

straying into

This suggests an unintentional or undirected movement into a place or situation, emphasizing the lack of intent associated with "drifting in".

veering into

This describes a slight change in direction, leading into a particular place or situation, similar to the gradual nature of "drifting in".

gravitating towards

This suggests a natural attraction or tendency towards something, implying a pull that guides movement, similar to the subtle forces influencing "drifting in".

FAQs

How can I use "drifting in" in a sentence?

You can use "drifting in" to describe a gentle or gradual movement or entry. For example, "The music was drifting in from the next room" or "He was drifting in and out of consciousness".

What are some alternatives to "drifting in"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "floating in", "gliding into", or "seeping into".

Is "drifting in" formal or informal?

"Drifting in" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing.

What does it mean when someone says they are "drifting in and out of consciousness"?

When someone is "drifting in and out of consciousness", it means their level of awareness is fluctuating. They are sometimes aware and responsive, and other times confused or unresponsive.