What are the definitions of “sleep through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not wake up.
I SLEPT THROUGH the storm even though the wind blew some slates off the roof.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sleep through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sleep through is to not wake up during a specific event or period of time, even if there are disturbances or noises. For example, it can mean not waking up during a storm, a loud party, or an alarm.
What are the different verb forms of “sleep through”?
| Root Verb | sleep through |
| Third Person Singular Present | sleeps through |
| Present Participle | sleeping through |
| Simple Past | slept through |
| Past Participle | slept through |
Example
I sleep through my alarm sometimes.
Example
She sleeps through the noise of the construction site.
Example
He is sleeping through the thunderstorm.
Example
Yesterday, they slept through the entire movie.
Example
The baby has slept through the night since she was six months old.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sleep through”?
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
“sleep through” 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 slept through the storm last night.
Example
He slept through the loud party next door.
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
“sleep through” 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 slept through the storm last night.
Example
He slept through the loud party next door.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sleep through”?
To not wake up despite loud noises or other disturbances.
Example
Even with the loud construction outside, she still slept through it all.
Good things to know
Does “sleep through” have an informal or formal tone?
Sleep through 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.
