“In The Bed” Vs “On The Bed” | Understanding The Difference
Wondering which preposition to use with ‘bed’? You’re not alone. A common question among English language learners is whether to use “in the bed” or “on the bed”. Both of these phrases are correct, but they are not interchangeable as they have specific meanings. Below, we will explain the difference between “in the bed” and “on the bed” and provide you lots of examples so you can confidently use these common English phrases.
In The Bed Vs On The Bed
In The Bed
“In the bed” is used when you want to talk about someone who is under the duvet covers or something embedded within the bed itself. To help you understand, here are some example sentences using “in the bed”:
“The baby is in the bed, covered with a blanket.”
(Here, “in the bed” is used because the baby is not just on top of the bed but under the blanket, making it more of a situation where they are nestled within the bed.)
“I found my missing sock in the bed when I was changing the sheets.”
(In this case, “in the bed” refers to the sock being found within the layers of the bed, not just lying on top, so “on the bed” would not be appropriate.)
“He was shivering, so he got in the bed to warm up.”
(This sentence uses “in the bed” because the person is not just on the bed but under the covers, enveloped by the bed.)
“They heard a squeaking noise and discovered a mouse living in the bed.”
(Here, “in the bed” is used because the mouse is inhabiting the inner part of the bed, not merely resting on its surface.)
“After the surgery, she spent several days in bed, resting and recuperating.”
(In this instance, “in bed” is used to indicate not just physical location but also the state of being bedridden, implying that she is under the covers and fully engaged in resting within the bed.)
On The Bed
“On the bed” is typically used to describe something that is lying on top of the bed and on top of the duvet covers. To help you understand, here are some example sentences using “on the bed”:
“The book is on the bed, where I left it this morning.”
(Here, “on the bed” is used because the book is lying on the surface of the bed, not within or under any part of the bed.)
“She placed the folded laundry on the bed to put away later.”
(In this case, “on the bed” is appropriate because the laundry is situated on top of the bed, not inside it.)
“The cat loves to nap on the bed in the afternoon.”
(This sentence uses “on the bed” because the cat is resting on the surface of the bed, not tucked inside it.)
“I spilled coffee on the bed, and now I have to change the sheets.”
(Here, “on the bed” refers to the coffee spilling onto the surface of the bed, not inside or within its layers.)
“The hotel maid placed a mint on the bed as a welcoming gesture.”
(In this instance, “on the bed” is used because the mint is left on top of the bed covers, not inside the bed itself.)
