still asleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still asleep" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a person who has not yet woken up. For example: "When I visited my grandparents this morning, my grandfather was still asleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lyndsey was still asleep.

The New York Times

Baranyk was still asleep.

The New Yorker

The girls were still asleep.

The New Yorker

The Samurai is still asleep.

The New York Times

My sons are still asleep.

The New Yorker

"Dan's still asleep," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The boys are still asleep.

The New York Times

Only issue is she's still asleep.

The New York Times

She hoped he wasn't still asleep.

The New Yorker

You guys are all still asleep".

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, the regulators are still asleep.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still asleep" to clearly indicate that someone is currently in a state of sleep, especially when contrasting with other activities or states of being. For example, "While the rest of the team was preparing for the meeting, John was still asleep".

Common error

Avoid using "still asleep" when referring to someone who was asleep earlier but is now awake. "He was still asleep this morning" is correct if he woke up recently, but incorrect if it's now the afternoon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still asleep" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person or place) to indicate that they are currently in a state of sleep. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "still asleep" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something that is currently in a state of sleep. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently found in news and media, but also appears in more formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the present state of sleep, and consider related alternatives like "fast asleep" or "deep in sleep" to add nuance. Remember, clarity is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sound asleep

Emphasizes the depth and quality of sleep, suggesting a peaceful or undisturbed state.

fast asleep

Highlights the speed at which someone fell asleep or the intensity of their sleep.

deep in sleep

Focuses on the profound nature of sleep, indicating a state of unconsciousness.

in a deep slumber

Similar to 'deep in sleep' but uses 'slumber' for a more poetic effect.

sleeping soundly

Changes the structure to adverb + verb, emphasizing the manner in which someone is sleeping.

out cold

An informal expression indicating a state of deep unconsciousness, often implying sudden or rapid sleep.

unconscious

Describes a general state of unawareness, encompassing sleep but also other conditions.

slumbering

A more formal or literary term for sleeping, often suggesting a gentle or peaceful state.

motionless in sleep

Focuses on the physical stillness associated with sleep, highlighting the lack of movement.

unresponsive

Indicates a lack of reaction to stimuli, which can be due to sleep or other conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "still asleep" in a sentence?

You can use "still asleep" to describe someone who hasn't woken up yet, such as, "The baby was "sleeping soundly", so I tiptoed out of the room, as he was "still asleep"".

What are some alternatives to saying "still asleep"?

Alternatives include phrases like "fast asleep", "deep in sleep", or ""sleeping soundly"", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "yet asleep" instead of "still asleep"?

While "yet asleep" might be understood, ""still asleep"" is the more common and grammatically standard way to express that someone remains in a state of sleep.

What does it mean when someone says a place is "still asleep"?

When describing a place as ""still asleep"", it suggests that the area is quiet and inactive, typically early in the morning before people have started their day.