What are the definitions of “nod off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Fall asleep.
I NODDED OFF during the speech.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “nod off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb nod off is to fall asleep, usually unintentionally or in a situation where one is not supposed to sleep. It often happens when someone is tired or bored.
What are the different verb forms of “nod off”?
| Root Verb | nod off |
| Third Person Singular Present | nods off |
| Present Participle | nodding off |
| Simple Past | nodded off |
| Past Participle | nodded off |
Example
I nod off during long meetings.
Example
She nods off while watching TV late at night.
Example
He is nodding off during the lecture.
Example
Yesterday, they nodded off during the movie.
Example
He had nodded off on the train and missed his stop.
What kind of phrasal verb is “nod 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
“nod 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 nodded off during the speech.
Example
She nodded off while reading the book.
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
“nod 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 nodded off during the speech.
Example
She nodded off while reading the book.
Good things to know
Does “nod off” have an informal or formal tone?
Nod off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
