Find out the differences between “In Bed or On Bed” in this article that talks about the right way to use these phrases and what they mean in different situations.
The phrase “in bed” typically implies someone is beneath the covers, likely sleeping or resting.
The phrase “on bed” suggests sitting or lying atop the bed without being under the covers.
The use of the prepositions “in” or “on” makes for the difference in the meanings and reflects different activities or positions relative to a bed.
In Bed or On Bed: Differences
‘Lying in bed’ and ‘lying on bed’ are common ways to talk about where someone is in relation to a bed. There are, however, small differences in meaning between them that can make a big difference in how the sentence is understood.
“Lying in bed” usually means that someone is under the covers of their bed, usually sleeping or resting.
When used with the preposition “in,” this word means “surrounded” by the bed’s bedding, like sheets and blankets. For example, if one is sick, they may spend most of the day lying in bed.
When someone says “lying on bed,” it sounds like they are resting on top of the bed, not necessarily under the covers.
Here, ‘on’ indicates a position above or upon a surface. To be in this state for a short time, like when someone is taking a short break or lying down but not planning to sleep.
| Lying in bed | Lying on bed | |
| Covered | Typically yes, with bed covers like sheets | No, not necessarily under any covers |
| State | Often associated with resting for a longer period | Suggests a temporary or brief resting position |
| Usage | Common for sleeping or when unwell | Could imply a nap or resting without sleeping |
Examples of Using In Bed in Sentences
“She crawled in bed after a long and tiring day.“
“They read stories to their children in bed every night.“
“He was in bed with the flu for a week.“
“Feeling tired, she was in bed by 8 PM.“
“He fell in bed without changing clothes.“
“The cat curled up in bed, purring softly as it enjoyed a lazy afternoon nap.“
“She scrolled through her social media feed while lying in bed, catching up on the day’s events.“
“The old man spent hours in bed, lost in the pages of his favorite novel.“
“With a steaming cup of tea, she settled in bed to watch her favorite movie on a rainy Sunday afternoon.“
“Exhausted from the hiking trip, they collapsed in bed and fell asleep.“
Examples of Using On Bed in Sentences
“He sat on the bed to tie his shoes.“
“Books were scattered on the bed.“
“She laid the outfit on the bed for the morning.“
“The cat curled up on the bed in the sun.“
“They placed their suitcases on the bed to pack.“
“The laptop was left open on the bed.“
“On the bed, a bouquet of flowers awaited her as a surprise from her partner.“
“In a hurry, he threw his clothes on the bed, searching for his missing wallet.“
“The small dog was caught napping on the bed.“
Note: In practice, ‘lying on the bed’ might be more commonly used than ‘lying on bed’. The addition of ‘the’ gives a specific reference to being on top of a particular bed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When discussing whether to use “in bed” or “on bed,” one common mistake is ignoring the context of the action.
“In bed” typically indicates that someone is under the covers, possibly asleep. On the other hand, “on bed” suggests that the person is atop the bed but not necessarily under the covers. If you don’t understand these contexts correctly, you might say or write things that are awkward or wrong, which could confuse the reader or listener.
Incorrect: He went to sleep on the bed early.
Correct: He went to sleep in the bed early.
“In the bed” suggests the person is under the covers. “On the bed” would imply only the surface.
Incorrect: After coming home, she laid on bed to rest.
Correct: After coming home, she laid in bed to rest.
Here, “in bed” is appropriate because the context suggests a state of resting, not just being on top of the bed.
Incorrect: They are playing games in bed with their shoes on.
Correct: They are playing games on the bed with their shoes on.
This is a situation where “on the bed” is more appropriate because it is not a typical activity associated with sleep or rest. They are above the covers and fully dressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘I am still in bed’ imply about a person’s activity?
When someone says they are “still in bed,” it typically means that they are underneath the bed covers, possibly sleeping or resting. They are most likely lying down in a posture ready for sleep or just waking up.
When is it appropriate to use ‘lying on the bed’ versus ‘lying in bed’?
The phrase “lying on the bed” is used when a person is on top of the bed covers, which could include activities such as sitting, reading, or resting without the intention of going to sleep. On the contrary, “lying in bed” implies that a person is under the bed covers, usually with the intention of sleeping or resting.
Is it grammatically correct to say ‘chilling in bed’ as opposed to ‘chilling on bed’?
The expression “chilling in bed” is correct, and it indicates that a person is relaxing under the bed covers, typically in a comfortable and laid-back manner. The preposition “in” denotes being within the confines of the bed.
