What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dozing
Example
I was dozing off during the boring lecture. [dozing: present participle]
Example
He took a quick doze on the train ride home. [doze: noun]
slumber
Example
She fell into a deep slumber after a long day at work. [slumber: noun]
Example
He was slumbering peacefully on the couch. [slumbering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slumber is less common than dozing in everyday language. Dozing is more versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slumber is more formal and literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dozing and slumber?
Slumber is more formal and literary than dozing, which is more informal and colloquial. Therefore, slumber is more appropriate for formal writing or speech, while dozing is more suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.
