What does the phrasal verb “drift off” mean?

What are the definitions of “drift off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

  • 1Start to fall asleep.

    I was DRIFTING OFF when the noise disturbed me.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drift off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drift off is to gradually fall asleep. It is often used when someone is slowly and peacefully falling asleep, usually without realizing it.

What are the different verb forms of “drift off”?

Root Verbdrift off
Third Person Singular Presentdrifts off
Present Participledrifting off
Simple Pastdrifted off
Past Participledrifted off

Example

I usually drift off while reading a book in bed.

Example

She drifts off during the boring lecture.

Example

He is drifting off while watching the movie.

Example

Last night, I drifted off as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Example

He had drifted off before the end of the show.

What kind of phrasal verb is “drift off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“drift off” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

She drifted off during the long flight.

Example

He drifted off while listening to the soothing music.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“drift off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She drifted off during the long flight.

Example

He drifted off while listening to the soothing music.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drift off”?

Another way to say 'drift off', emphasizing the process of falling asleep.

Example

After a long day, she drifted off to sleep quickly.

To lose focus on the present situation and start daydreaming.

Example

During the meeting, he drifted off into a daydream about his upcoming vacation.

Drift off into one's thoughts

To become lost in one's thoughts, often unintentionally.

Example

She drifted off into her thoughts while looking out the window.

Good things to know

Does “drift off” have an informal or formal tone?

Drift off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “drift off”?

Synonyms

  • snooze
  • fall asleep
  • doze off
  • nod off
  • drowse off
  • drop off
  • go to sleep

Antonyms

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