I had a dream vs I saw a dream

Both phrases are commonly used, but 'I had a dream' is the more natural and idiomatic way to express this idea. 'I saw a dream' is less common and may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 597 views

I had a dream

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is the more common way to express that you experienced a dream while sleeping.

Examples:

I had a dream last night that I was flying.
She told me she had a dream about winning the lottery.
Last week, I had a dream that I was back in high school.
He had a dream that he was being chased by a giant monster.
They had a dream that they were exploring a magical forest.

Alternatives:

I dreamt
I dreamed
I had a strange dream
I had a vivid dream
I had a recurring dream

I saw a dream

This phrase is less common and may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.

While this phrase is grammatically correct, it is not the typical way to express that you experienced a dream while sleeping. It may sound a bit unnatural to native speakers.

Show examples from the web [+]

Today, after ten years I saw a dream, Abba.
I saw a dream.
5 I saw a dream that made me afraid.
I saw a dream that I wasn't afraid to want.
Like, while I was sleeping, I saw a dream.
I saw a dream.
4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Alternatives:

I had a dream
I dreamt
I dreamed
I had a strange dream
I had a vivid dream

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