nodding off

USAGE SUMMARY

"nodding off" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is about to fall asleep. For example, "The teacher noticed a few students nodding off in class".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's more the nodding off".

The New York Times

Was he nodding off?

The Guardian

From nodding off I don't know when.

The New Yorker

"People were lying around, nodding off".

The New York Times

"You nodding off yet?" one duffer asked a colleague.

The Economist

Nodding off at the table is one thing.

The New York Times

Nodding off behind the wheel is something entirely different.

The New York Times

David admits to often nodding off halfway through a task.

The Guardian

Mr. Grossman had been weary lately, nodding off a lot.

The New York Times

Nodding off at the wheel is of huge safety concern.

The Guardian - Tech

Except this time, nobody's nodding off at the back.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's state, follow "nodding off" with a prepositional phrase indicating where or when this is occurring, such as "nodding off in class" or "nodding off during the movie".

Common error

Don't use "nodding off" to describe a planned nap or a full night's sleep. It's best used for unintentional or brief moments of sleepiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nodding off" primarily functions as a verb phrase, acting as the present participle of the phrasal verb 'nod off.' It describes an action in progress, specifically the act of beginning to fall asleep, often unintentionally. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nodding off" is a common and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the act of involuntarily starting to fall asleep. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in various contexts. It is considered relatively neutral in register and is used across diverse sources, including news media, academic papers, and wikis. Remember to use it to describe unintentional sleep, and be mindful of more formal alternatives if the occasion demands it. Steer clear of using it when describing an intentional nap.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drifting off

Focuses more on the gradual transition into sleep.

dozing off

Similar meaning but slightly more casual.

falling asleep

A more general term for entering a state of sleep.

drifting to sleep

Emphasizes the slow and gentle transition to sleep.

becoming drowsy

Describes the state of feeling sleepy, leading to potentially nodding off.

lapsing into sleep

Suggests a more unintentional or sudden descent into sleep.

succumbing to sleep

Highlights the feeling of being overwhelmed by sleepiness.

slipping into unconsciousness

Focuses on the loss of consciousness aspect of falling asleep.

conking out

A very informal way to say falling asleep, often suddenly.

taking a catnap

Refers to a short, light sleep.

FAQs

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

You can use "nodding off" to describe someone briefly falling asleep, such as, "He was "nodding off" during the lecture."

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

While "nodding off" is fairly neutral, more formal alternatives could include "succumbing to sleep" or "lapsing into sleep", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "nodding off" in professional writing?

In most professional contexts, "nodding off" is acceptable, especially when describing a brief lapse in attention due to sleepiness. However, consider the audience and tone; in very formal reports, a more clinical term might be preferable.

What causes someone to start "nodding off" frequently?

Frequent "nodding off" can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep deprivation, fatigue, certain medications, or underlying sleep disorders. If it becomes a persistent problem, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.