What are the definitions of “drift off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Start to fall asleep.
I was DRIFTING OFF when the noise disturbed me.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drift off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drift off is to gradually fall asleep. It is often used when someone is slowly and peacefully falling asleep, usually without realizing it.
What are the different verb forms of “drift off”?
| Root Verb | drift off |
| Third Person Singular Present | drifts off |
| Present Participle | drifting off |
| Simple Past | drifted off |
| Past Participle | drifted off |
Example
I usually drift off while reading a book in bed.
Example
She drifts off during the boring lecture.
Example
He is drifting off while watching the movie.
Example
Last night, I drifted off as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Example
He had drifted off before the end of the show.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drift 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
“drift 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
She drifted off during the long flight.
Example
He drifted off while listening to the soothing music.
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
“drift 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
She drifted off during the long flight.
Example
He drifted off while listening to the soothing music.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drift off”?
Good things to know
Does “drift off” have an informal or formal tone?
Drift off 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.
