Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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oversleep, oversleeps, oversleeping, overslept

Synonyms: sleep in, sleep late, lie in, sleep through, miss the alarm

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Antonyms: wake early, rise early, awaken, get up, wake on time

The Verb Oversleep – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb oversleep is a common irregular verb that means to sleep longer than you intended to, typically resulting in being late for something.


VERB FORMS


■ Base Form: oversleep
■ Past Simple: overslept
■ Past Participle: overslept
■ Present Participle/Gerund: oversleeping


USAGE AND CONTEXT


'Oversleep' is an everyday verb used to explain tardiness. It always implies an accidental, unintentional act with negative consequences.


1. Missing an Alarm or Wake-up Time
This is the verb's primary and most frequent use.


■ Work/School: 'I'm so sorry I'm late for the meeting; I completely overslept this morning.'
■ Appointments: 'She was so tired from the trip that she overslept and missed her doctor's appointment.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: 'OVERSLEEP' VS. 'SLEEP IN'


■ Oversleep: Accidental and unintentional, with a negative outcome (being late).
■ Example: 'I have an important exam tomorrow, so I really can't afford to oversleep.'


■ Sleep in: Intentional and voluntary, usually for pleasure or rest (a positive action).
■ Example: 'It's Saturday tomorrow, so I think I'll turn off my alarm and sleep in.'