they were asleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they were asleep' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a particular group of people who were in a state of sleep. For example: "The students had been studying all night, so by morning they were asleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

While they were asleep, he said, a bomb landed on it - killing his friends.

The Guardian

Blanco also hopes Delta's cabin crew will come forward to corroborate Blanco's claim that they were asleep.

Vice

I didn't hear them talking and, seeing that it was already ten o'clock, thought maybe they were asleep.

The New Yorker

While they were asleep.

The New York Times

He saw that when they were asleep".

The Guardian - Film

"They were asleep at the switch".

The New York Times

They looked like they were asleep.

The Guardian

"They were asleep," my father said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

While the family was out a man broke in and hid in the house until they were asleep.

Huffington Post

Dec. 25, 1951, a bomb hidden beneath the floor under the Moores' bed exploded while they were asleep.

The Washington Post

"I assume they were asleep!" said an elated Chu a little later Thursday morning, still buzzing on nominations morning.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, ensure the timing is clear. For example, specify how long "they were asleep" before the next event occurred to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were asleep" when you intend to convey negligence or inattentiveness metaphorically. Use idioms like "asleep at the wheel" or "dropped the ball" for metaphorical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were asleep" functions as a descriptive clause, indicating the state of a group of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It typically provides context or explains a subsequent event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were asleep" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a group of people in a state of sleep. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and its widespread usage is evident across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, understanding the context is important to avoid misinterpretations. Remember, if you're trying to say that someone was negligent, and not literally sleeping, then idioms such as "asleep at the wheel" would be better suited than "they were asleep". The phrase offers a direct and clear way to convey a state of sleep, laying the foundation for understanding related events or circumstances. Consider using alternatives such as "they had fallen asleep" or "they were not awake" when seeking variety in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had fallen asleep

Indicates the action of entering a state of sleep.

they weren't awake

Directly states the absence of wakefulness.

they had dozed off

Suggests a lighter form of sleep, often unintentional or for a short period.

they were not conscious

Highlights the lack of awareness or perception.

they were slumbering

Implies a more peaceful and prolonged state of sleep.

they were in a deep sleep

Emphasizes the intensity or depth of their sleep.

they were out cold

Indicates a state of unconsciousness, possibly from exhaustion or impact.

they were unconscious

Describes a state of being unaware and unresponsive.

they were unresponsive

Focuses on their lack of reaction or awareness.

they were resting

Suggests a state of relaxation which may include sleeping.

FAQs

How can I use "they were asleep" in a sentence?

You can use "they were asleep" to describe a situation where a group of people were in a state of sleep. For example, "The children were exhausted after the long day, so "they were asleep" before their heads hit the pillow".

What's a more formal alternative to "they were asleep"?

In a more formal context, you could say "they were in a state of slumber" or "they were in a sleeping state", which are less common but maintain a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "they was asleep" instead of "they were asleep"?

No, "they was asleep" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were asleep" because "were" is the plural form of the past tense of "to be".

What does it mean when someone says someone else was "asleep at the wheel"?

The phrase "asleep at the wheel" is an idiom that means someone was negligent or inattentive to their responsibilities. It's a metaphorical expression, not a literal statement that "they were asleep".