"fall asleep" vs "fall to sleep"

Question

"fall asleep" vs "fall to sleep"

Both "fall asleep" and "fall to sleep" are correct phrases in English, but "fall asleep" is more commonly used and considered more natural. Both phrases convey the same meaning of going to sleep or becoming unconscious.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the action of going to sleep or becoming unconscious.

Examples:

I usually fall asleep quickly.
The baby fell asleep in my arms.
She fell asleep while watching TV.
He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.
It's hard for me to fall asleep in a noisy environment.

Alternatives:

go to sleep
drift off to sleep
drop off to sleep
nod off
doze off

This phrase also describes the action of going to sleep or becoming unconscious, but it is less common than "fall asleep".

Examples:

After a long day, he finally fell to sleep.
The medication helped her fall to sleep quickly.

Alternatives:

fall asleep
go to sleep
drift off to sleep
drop off to sleep
nod off

Answer 1

fall asleep

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

fall to sleep

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"fall asleep" vs "fall to sleep"

fall asleep

fall to sleep

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