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fall asleep
/fɔːl əˈsliːp/◆phrasal verb
to become unconscious and enter sleep
She fell asleep on the couch after dinner.
She became unconscious and entered sleep on the couch after dinner.
informal
to become unconscious and enter sleep
The baby fell asleep in the stroller.
The baby became unconscious and entered sleep in the stroller.
I always fall asleep quickly after a long day.
I always become unconscious and enter sleep quickly after a long day.
This phrasal verb is commonly used in everyday language to describe the process of transitioning from wakefulness to sleep.
Collocations
fall asleep quicklyto become unconscious and enter sleep rapidlyfall asleep easilyto become unconscious and enter sleep without difficulty
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
This phrasal verb is commonly used in everyday language to describe the process of falling asleep.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'fall asleep' to describe the process of entering sleep, not the state of being asleep.
Word Origin
The verb 'fall' in this context means to transition into a state, and 'asleep' describes the state of being unconscious due to sleep. The combination 'fall asleep' is a common phrasal verb in English.
Usage Notes
This phrasal verb is often used in informal contexts to describe the natural process of entering sleep. It can be used in both present and past tense.
Word Breakdown
fall
to transition into a state
verbasleep
in a state of unconsciousness due to sleep
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary