What are the definitions of “doss down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Sleep somewhere temporarily because you don't go home.
I was feeling really tired, so I DOSSED DOWN on his sofa for the night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “doss down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb doss down is to sleep somewhere temporarily, usually because you cannot or do not want to go home. It often implies sleeping in a place that is not your usual bed or bedroom.
What are the different verb forms of “doss down”?
| Root Verb | doss down |
| Third Person Singular Present | dosses down |
| Present Participle | dossing down |
| Simple Past | dossed down |
| Past Participle | dossed down |
Example
After the party, several guests decided to doss down at the host's house.
Example
When he misses the last train, he often dosses down at his friend's place.
Example
She is dossing down on the couch tonight because her room is being painted.
Example
Last night, we dossed down in the living room to watch movies.
Example
They had dossed down in the office after working late on the project.
What kind of phrasal verb is “doss down”?
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
“doss down” 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
I dossed down on the floor after the long day.
Example
She dossed down in the spare room for the night.
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
“doss down” 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
I dossed down on the floor after the long day.
Example
She dossed down in the spare room for the night.
Good things to know
Does “doss down” have an informal or formal tone?
Doss down is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations among friends or family. It is not appropriate for formal settings or professional communication.
