"lying in bed" vs "lying on bed"

Question

"lying in bed" vs "lying on bed"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Lying on bed' is used when someone is lying on top of the bed, while 'lying in bed' is used when someone is under the covers or inside the bed. They are not interchangeable as they convey different positions.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the action of lying down under the covers or inside the bed.

Examples:

I like to listen to music while lying in bed.
He was sick, so he spent the whole day lying in bed.

Alternatives:

lying on the bed
lying down in bed
lying under the covers
lying beneath the covers
resting in bed

This phrase is used to describe the action of lying down on the surface of the bed.

Examples:

I was feeling tired, so I decided to lie on bed for a while.
She enjoys reading books while lying on bed.

Alternatives:

lying on the bed
lying down on the bed
lying across the bed
lying on top of the bed
lying flat on the bed

Answer 1

lying in bed

This phrase is correct and commonly used when someone is under the covers or inside the bed.

Answer 2

lying on bed

This phrase is correct and commonly used when someone is lying on top of the bed.

"lying in bed" vs "lying on bed"

lying in bed

lying on bed

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