try to drift off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to drift off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of attempting to fall asleep or become less alert. Example: "After a long day, I like to lie in bed and try to drift off to sleep while listening to calming music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Before I knew better, I would try to drift off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Trying to drift off just doesn't work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After a while, Roscoe wanders away to take his howling dog for a walk, and Sally rolls over and tries to drift off.

The New Yorker

So, next time you're trying to drift off to sleep, close your eyes and press play on "Weightless".

Huffington Post

You should try to drift frequently, or do major shortcuts.

WikiHow

It takes some work to maintain this illusion; when I travel with friends, I explain I need a private room because I talk in my sleep, and I try not to drift off on planes.

Vice

My interpreter and I tried to drift within earshot.

The New Yorker

Try allowing yourself to drift off into a semi-sleepy state at opportune moments.

WikiHow

Before you try falling asleep, make sure that you are mentally and physically tired enough to drift off without much difficulty.

WikiHow

Be passionate in your speech a monotone voice will cause people to drift off, and they may miss the point of what you're trying to say.

WikiHow

I lost the arm wrestling and went upstairs, tried to sleep, only I didn't know that pills basically mean you aren't going to drift off peacefully.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "try to drift off", create a relaxing environment by dimming the lights and reducing noise.

Common error

Avoid actively focusing on the act of falling asleep when you "try to drift off". This can increase anxiety and make it harder to relax. Instead, focus on calming activities like reading or gentle stretching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to drift off" functions as a phrasal verb, where 'try' acts as the main verb indicating an attempt, and 'drift off' functions as an idiom meaning to gradually fall asleep. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is valid and can be used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "try to drift off" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express the act of attempting to fall asleep. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal conversations to more formal writing. The phrase suggests a gradual transition to sleep, and while actively focusing on falling asleep can be counterproductive, creating a relaxing environment can aid in the process. Alternatives like "attempt to fall asleep" or "try to doze off" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to fall asleep

Replaces the idiomatic "drift off" with a more formal "fall asleep".

try to doze off

Substitutes "drift" with "doze", suggesting a lighter sleep.

attempt to get to sleep

Replaces the phrasal verb with a more direct and literal expression.

try to nod off

Uses "nod off", indicating a brief, unintentional sleep.

seek to fall asleep

Employs "seek" for a slightly more formal tone than "try".

strive to sleep

Highlights effort and determination to achieve sleep.

make an effort to sleep

Emphasizes the deliberate act of trying to fall asleep.

try to succumb to sleep

Indicates surrendering to the need for sleep.

try to lose consciousness

Shifts focus from sleep to the general state of unconsciousness.

endeavor to fall asleep

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for 'try'.

FAQs

What does "try to drift off" mean?

The phrase "try to drift off" means to attempt to fall asleep or to gradually lose consciousness.

How can I use "try to drift off" in a sentence?

You can use "try to drift off" in sentences like: "After a stressful day, I like to read a book and "try to drift off"."

What are some alternatives to "try to drift off"?

Some alternatives to "try to drift off" include "attempt to fall asleep", "try to doze off", or "try to nod off".

Is it better to "try to drift off" or actively try to sleep?

While actively trying to sleep might seem logical, often a more relaxed approach—where you "try to drift off"—is more effective. Overthinking can hinder the process.