What does the phrasal verb “dream of” mean?

What are the definitions of “dream of”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Not think or consider.

  I wouldn't even DREAM OF telling her that.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dream of is to not think or consider something, usually because it is too unlikely, inappropriate, or undesirable. It is often used in negative sentences to emphasize that someone would never do or think about something.

What are the different verb forms of “dream of”?

Root Verb	dream of
Third Person Singular Present	dreams of
Present Participle	dreaming of
Simple Past	dreamed/dreamt of
Past Participle	dreamed/dreamt of

Example

I would never dream of betraying my friends.

Example

She dreams of becoming a famous singer one day.

Example

He is dreaming of a better future for his family.

Example

They dreamed of traveling the world together.

Example

She had always dreamed of owning her own business.

What kind of phrasal verb is “dream of”?

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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

“dream of” 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 wouldn't dream of leaving you behind.

Example

He wouldn't dream of missing the party.

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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

“dream of” 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 wouldn't dream of leaving you behind.

Example

He wouldn't dream of missing the party.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dream of”?

Dream of something

To imagine or hope for something, especially something that seems unlikely or difficult to achieve.

Example

Many people dream of winning the lottery, but few actually do.

Dream of doing something

To imagine or hope to do something, especially something that seems unlikely or difficult to achieve.

Example

He dreams of becoming a professional athlete one day.

In your dreams

A phrase used to tell someone that what they want or hope for is very unlikely to happen.

Example

You think you can beat me in a race? In your dreams!

Good things to know

Does “dream of” have an informal or formal tone?

Dream of 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 “dream of”?

Synonyms

• imagine
• envision
• consider
• fantasize
• contemplate
• think of

Antonyms

• disregard
• ignore
• forget
• neglect
• overlook
• dismiss