The phrasal verb "drop off to" is predominantly used in informal contexts, though it can occasionally appear in less formal written pieces. In everyday speech, it describes the act of passing into sleep: "As the meeting droned on, I dropped off to sleep." This usage is common and conveys a seamless transition from wakefulness to sleep. It is often employed to describe inadvertent or gradual sleeping, often in relaxed or monotonous environments. While "drop off" on its own can mean a decrease (as in levels or interest), "drop off to" in this context specifically focuses on the transition to sleep. It carries a casual tone and is more likely to be found in conversations or narratives aiming to depict relatable or informal scenarios.
B1
Intermediate
1. To fall asleep unexpectedly or unintentionally, often for a short period.
I dropped off to sleep during the movie, it was so boring.
He was so exhausted that he dropped off to sleep as soon as he got home.
She dropped off to sleep in the taxi on the way back.
The baby dropped off to sleep in my arms within minutes.