What are the definitions of “doze off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fall asleep.
The movie was a bit boring and I DOZED OFF halfway through.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “doze off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb doze off is to fall asleep, usually unintentionally or for a short period of time. It often happens when someone is tired or bored.
What are the different verb forms of “doze off”?
| Root Verb | doze off |
| Third Person Singular Present | dozes off |
| Present Participle | dozing off |
| Simple Past | dozed off |
| Past Participle | dozed off |
Example
I often doze off while reading a book in bed.
Example
She dozes off during long car rides.
Example
He is dozing off during the lecture.
Example
Yesterday, they dozed off during the movie.
Example
He had dozed off on the couch after a long day.
What kind of phrasal verb is “doze off”?
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
“doze 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
I dozed off during the boring presentation.
Example
She dozed off while watching TV.
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
“doze 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
I dozed off during the boring presentation.
Example
She dozed off while watching TV.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “doze off”?
Good things to know
Does “doze off” have an informal or formal tone?
Doze off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
