he dozed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he dozed off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has fallen asleep, often unintentionally, usually in a casual or informal context. Example: "After a long day at work, he dozed off on the couch while watching TV."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

A few nights, he dozed off on the subway.

The New York Times

During one particularly harrowing all-night installation, he dozed off on a plank.

The New York Times

He dozed off and on constantly, sleeping twelve hours a day.

The New Yorker

On the way back to his ranch, he dozed off a couple of times.

The New Yorker

He dozed off on a wooden bench, waiting for the next train.

The New York Times

He dozed off and his foot must have pressed on the accelerator, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Before he dozes off, he listens on his laptop to old radio programs, such as "The Saint" or "The Whistler".

The New Yorker

Sometimes he dozes off in his chair, sometimes he lays cards out for patience.

The New Yorker

Some nights I think his brain is at maximum capacity (I know mine is), and he dozes off by 6 p.m.

The Washington Post

He won't sleep tonight if he dozes off now.'" They are sitting quietly at the back, not kicking each other's shins for a change, no burping contests.

The New Yorker

He won't sleep tonight if he dozes off now.'" Readers who are looking for a neat story of loss and redemption, a simple narrative arc, catharsis on the cheap, will find no such thing here: the particularity of Deraniyagala's suffering, and the intensity with which she feels it, is immense.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he dozed off" to describe a brief, unintentional sleep, often occurring when someone is tired but trying to stay awake. It's ideal for informal and narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "he dozed off" in formal or professional writing where a more clinical or serious tone is needed. Instead, opt for phrases like "he fell asleep" or "he became unconscious".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "he dozed off" is that of an intransitive verb phrase indicating a state of falling into a light sleep. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he dozed off" is a common and generally correct phrase used to describe someone falling into a light, often unintentional, sleep. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media, but its informal tone makes it less suitable for formal or scientific writing. While alternatives like "he fell asleep" or "he nodded off" exist, this phrase effectively conveys the idea of a brief and unintended nap. Always consider the context to ensure the chosen phrasing is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he nodded off

Replaces "dozed" with "nodded", suggesting a very light and brief sleep.

he drifted off to sleep

Emphasizes the gradual transition into sleep, rather than a sudden doze.

he fell asleep

A general term for entering a state of sleep, less specific about the duration or intention.

he napped briefly

Highlights that sleep was short, aligning with the concept of dozing.

he took a nap

Implies a deliberate attempt to sleep for a short period, unlike an unintentional doze.

he was sleeping lightly

Describes the state of sleep as shallow or easily interrupted.

he succumbed to sleep

Suggests a stronger, almost irresistible urge to sleep.

he was caught napping

Implies being discovered in the act of dozing, often unexpectedly.

he closed his eyes for a moment

Focuses on the physical action of closing eyes, which might lead to a brief doze.

he momentarily lost consciousness

Indicates a brief lapse in awareness, which could include a doze.

FAQs

What does "he dozed off" mean?

The phrase "he dozed off" means he fell lightly asleep, usually unintentionally and for a short period.

What can I say instead of "he dozed off"?

You can use alternatives like "he nodded off", "he fell asleep", or "he drifted off to sleep" depending on the context.

Is "he dozed off" formal or informal?

The phrase "he dozed off" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation or narrative writing. More formal settings might require alternatives like "he fell asleep".

Is it okay to say "he dozed off at the wheel"?

Yes, "he dozed off at the wheel" is a common expression used to describe a driver who briefly fell asleep while driving, highlighting the dangerous consequences of drowsy driving.