sleep

[Humble]

Hi,
I’d like to make sure I understand the difference between the phrases correctly.

1. fall asleep = start sleeping when you do not intend to, especially not in bed.
The Japanese are said to fall asleep as soon as they get a seat in the underground.
Most men fall asleep while watching TV.
2. go to sleep = start sleeping when you intend to; often used when it’s difficult to do.
I went to bed at midnight, but couldn’t go to sleep till four.
Many women complain it takes them long to go to sleep. – Would fall asleep be wrong here?
3. go into sleep = go to sleep??
Fergus had gone back into a deep sleep.

Some additional comment would be appreciated.
Thanks for your help.

[ian2]

Hi,
I’d like to make sure I understand the difference between the phrases correctly.

1. fall asleep = start sleeping when you do not intend to, especially not in bed.
The Japanese are said to fall asleep as soon as they get a seat in the underground.
Most men fall asleep while watching TV.
2. go to sleep = start sleeping when you intend to; often used when it’s difficult to do.
I went to bed at midnight, but couldn’t go to sleep till four.
Many women complain it takes them long to go to sleep. – Would fall asleep be wrong here?
3. go into sleep = go to sleep??
Fergus had gone back into a deep sleep.

Some additional comment would be appreciated.
Thanks for your help.

Fall asleep seems to express an unintended action, but the location is not a problem. You can fall asleep in bed. The reason why it is not intended may have something to do with the verb FALL. Fall used in this case seems to be against one's willingness. You are watching TV in bed, and you want to finish the movie, but you fall asleep. In fact, you ca also fall ill, something you definitely don't intend to have. This is only my observation and I am not a native speaker, so only for your reference.

[Humble]

This is only my observation and I am not a native speaker, so only for your reference.

Thanks, Ian.
I still hope some other people will chip in.