# dream of

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dream-of
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to think about something you really want to happen in the future.

For teachers: to contemplate a desired future state or ambition; often used in the progressive aspect to indicate a persistent aspiration.

## Examples

- I dream of living by the sea one day.
- Many young athletes dream of winning an Olympic gold medal for their country.
- While working in the factory, he would often dream of escaping his mundane reality to pursue a career in the arts.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I dream of to become a doctor." but "I dream of becoming a doctor." — the preposition 'of' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'dream about', which usually refers to images seen while sleeping, whereas 'dream of' typically refers to conscious ambitions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.