Prepositions can be a cause of concern when we are writing something. One such confusion is commonly seen about ‘on bed or in bed,’ when we are referring to or discussing a bed. People often think about whether ‘on bed’ is the correct phrase or ‘in bed.’ both phrases are commonly used, but their meanings are different and are used in different scenarios.
On Bed Or In Bed: The Difference
We use the phrase “in bed” when we are referring to being inside the bed physically, under a duvet or blanket. It is mostly used to describe someone who is lying down or sleeping.
The phrase “on bed” is used to describe someone who is on top of the bed physically. This is mostly used when someone is sitting on the bed or lying down but not under any covers. This phrase is used to describe when someone or something is placed on top of the bed or just resting in general.
The difference between ‘on bed or in bed’ may look subtle, but it is important to use the appropriate phase in the right context. We are going to learn about the difference between the two phrases, what meanings they hold, and in which context we should use them. Ad for better understanding, a few examples will also be listed in the article.
In Bed Vs On Bed
Well, let’s break it down into a few parameters for a better understanding of the topic.
Definition
The phrase “on bed” or “in bed” are both commonly used while describing the position of a bed in relation to bed. “In bed” is mostly used when we are talking about a person who is physically under the covers of a bed. We use “on bed” when we are referring to someone being physically on top of a bed, lying down, or just sitting.
Usage
“In bed” is mainly used while describing any activities related to sleeping, while “on the bed” is more commonly used while describing any activities like sitting on the bed or resting on the bed.
The phrase on the bed is also used when we are referring to some object that is placed on the bed or something that is resting on the bed.
Grammar
If we are looking from a grammatical point of view, the difference between the two phases comes from the preposition that is used in the phrases. The preposition ‘in’ is mostly used to denote that something or someone is inside, whereas the preposition ‘on’ is mostly used to denote that something is in physical contact with something else.
It is important that you use the correct preposition in the correct place and in the right context. For instance, if you write “I slept on the bed,” that would be an incorrect use of the preposition. This means that the person was sleeping on top of the bed and not on the covers.
Lying In Bed
Lying in bed is something quite common, and the preposition that should be used while writing the term is ‘in.’
Examples
- I slept in her bed for a solid one hour.
- She has been in bed for a week with a fever.
- Sissy put the baby in bed by 8:30. But it took her a lot to finally put him down for a nap.
- I lay in bed for almost five hours but could not sleep for a minute because of all the work-related stress.
- It was a long day at work, and now all I want is to sleep in my bed.
- I did not receive your call, I was in bed yesterday by 9.
- I would have joined the whole team for breakfast, but I am in bed right now.
- Why are you still in bed? We had plans to leave the hotel by ten this morning.
- I dont know what’s wrong with her, she has been in bed for the last two bed.
- She took the coffee in bed with her.
Lying On Bed
We use the preposition ‘on’ when we want to mean that someone or something is resting on the bed. When someone wants to mean that someone is on top of the covers physically.
Examples
- I was reading the book on the bed while I tried to get myself to sleep.
- My cat likes to sleep on the bed with me.
- I accidentally put the tray on the bed and forgot about it.
- The room service guy left the towel unorganized on the bed.
- I sat on her bed and immediately understood how uncomfortable her mattress was.
- I put the baby on the bed, she gave her all her toys to keep her calm.
- Betty sat on the bed while she was putting her shoes on.
- It is her habit to put the clothes on the bed before she goes to the shower.
- She was overwhelmed with everything that was happening in her life. She sat on the bed and contemplated her life for a moment.
- He got restless and lay on the bed for a while to calm his own thoughts.
Wrapping Up!
To sum things up, we use the phrase ‘in bed’ when we mean that someone is under the covers, and we mean ‘on bed’ when something is just resting on the bed and kept on top of the bed. This is the difference that you have to remember and use the phrase accordingly, and there will be no confusion about whether it is on bed or in bed.
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