I was sleeping when he came in vs I was asleep when he came in

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I was sleeping when he came in' implies that the action of sleeping was in progress when he entered, while 'I was asleep when he came in' suggests that the state of being asleep existed when he entered. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing action of sleeping or the state of being asleep at that moment.

Last updated: March 17, 2024

I was sleeping when he came in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase indicates that the action of sleeping was in progress when he entered.

Examples:

I was sleeping when he came in, so I didn't hear him enter.
She was sleeping when the phone rang.
Were you sleeping when the storm started?

Alternatives:

I fell asleep when he came in.
I drifted off to sleep when he entered.
I was in the middle of sleeping when he arrived.

I was asleep when he came in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase indicates that the state of being asleep existed when he entered.

Examples:

I was asleep when he came in, so I didn't notice him.
She was already asleep when I got home.
Were you asleep when the movie ended?

Alternatives:

I had fallen asleep when he entered.
I was already asleep when he came in.
I was in a deep sleep when he arrived.

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I was sleeping when he came in vs I was asleep when he came in