"lay in bed" vs "lay on bed"

Question

"lay in bed" vs "lay on bed"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Lay on bed' is used when referring to placing something on the surface of the bed, while 'lay in bed' is used when talking about lying down on the bed.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to indicate that someone is lying down on the bed, typically for sleeping or resting.

Examples:

I like to read a book when I lay in bed.
She was feeling sick, so she decided to lay in bed all day.

Alternatives:

lie in bed
rest in bed
sleep in bed
relax in bed
recline in bed

This phrase is used when you want to indicate that something is being placed on the bed, such as clothes, books, or other objects.

Examples:

Please lay the clothes on the bed.
She laid the book on the bed before going to sleep.

Alternatives:

place on bed
put on bed
set on bed
position on bed
arrange on bed

Answer 1

lay in bed

This phrase is correct when referring to lying down on the bed.

Answer 2

lay on bed

This phrase is correct when referring to placing something on the surface of the bed.

"lay in bed" vs "lay on bed"

lay in bed

lay on bed

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