drifting off to sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drifting off to sleep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is transitioning from being awake and alert to being asleep. For example: After reading an interesting book, I felt myself drifting off to sleep.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The game was drifting off to sleep.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I love drifting off to sleep imagining magical lands and visiting faraway places.

Independent

"Where else would I go?" People inside the centre begin drifting off to sleep.

Independent

"After all we did for them," they said before drifting off to sleep.

The New Yorker

I tend to hear them as I am drifting off to sleep.

The New York Times

Drifting off to sleep, Phoebe heard rueful laughter, a wistful conspiracy to follow her.

The New Yorker

He admitted occasionally drifting off to sleep, "which isn't good for business".

The New York Times - Arts

There I was, drifting off to sleep, when the phone rang.

The New York Times

It was like drifting off to sleep, but even more sweet and luxurious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fans baking in this Adelaide sun could be forgiven for drifting off to sleep.

The Guardian - Sport

But didn't you also feel more than a little sympathy for Julia drifting off to sleep while Winston read?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drifting off to sleep" to describe a gentle and gradual transition from wakefulness to sleep, often implying a sense of relaxation or ease.

Common error

While widely understood, "drifting off to sleep" is generally more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal or technical contexts, consider using more direct or clinical terms like "falling asleep" or "initiating sleep".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drifting off to sleep" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the process of transitioning from wakefulness to sleep, often emphasizing the gradual and gentle nature of this transition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "drifting off to sleep" is a common and correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of gently falling asleep. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in narrative and informal contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider register and opt for more formal alternatives like "falling asleep" in technical or professional settings. Its frequent use in news and media highlights its broad appeal and understanding. When aiming to convey a tranquil and gradual transition into sleep, "drifting off to sleep" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling asleep

A more direct and common way to describe the process of entering sleep.

dozing off

Suggests a lighter, less profound sleep.

nodding off

Implies brief, unintentional sleep, often in a sitting position.

succumbing to sleep

A more literary or dramatic way of saying falling asleep.

slipping into slumber

Evokes a gentle and gradual transition into sleep.

entering a state of sleep

A more clinical or detached way of describing the process.

becoming unconscious

Highlights the loss of awareness associated with sleep.

losing consciousness

Similar to 'becoming unconscious' but focuses on the action of losing awareness.

going to sleep

A simple and straightforward expression for starting the sleep process.

retiring for the night

Indicates the act of going to bed with the intention of sleeping.

FAQs

How to use "drifting off to sleep" in a sentence?

You can use "drifting off to sleep" to describe the act of gradually falling asleep, often implying a peaceful or gentle transition. For example, "After a long day, I enjoyed "drifting off to sleep" while listening to soft music."

What can I say instead of "drifting off to sleep"?

You can use alternatives like "falling asleep", "dozing off", or "slipping into slumber" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "drifting off to sleep" formal or informal?

"Drifting off to sleep" leans towards informal and narrative contexts. For more formal or clinical settings, consider using phrases like "initiating sleep" or "falling asleep".

What's the difference between "drifting off to sleep" and "falling asleep"?

"Drifting off to sleep" suggests a gentle, gradual transition into sleep, whereas "falling asleep" is a more direct and general term. "Drifting off" evokes a sense of ease and relaxation that "falling asleep" might not always imply.