To sleep with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To sleep with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to engaging in sexual relations with someone. Example: "They decided to sleep with each other after their first date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I go to sleep with cooking.

Independent

He refuses to sleep with her.

The New Yorker

I don't have to sleep with him.

The Guardian - Film

He is dying to sleep with her.

The New York Times - Books

Biju also has to sleep with pills.

The New Yorker

I wanted to sleep with somebody".

The Guardian - Film

He wanted to sleep with her.

The New Yorker

"I like to sleep with younger guys.

The Guardian - Film

You want to sleep with Kelly Brook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everyone wants to sleep with Kelly Brook!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Is it okay to sleep with my contact lenses?

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "to sleep with". It often implies sexual relations, so ensure it's appropriate for your audience and the tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to sleep with" when you simply mean "to sleep near" or "to share a bed". The phrase carries a strong connotation of sexual intimacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to sleep with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "sleep with" acts as a phrasal verb indicating a specific action. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in various sentences to describe relationships and desires.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to sleep with" is a very common idiom that primarily signifies engaging in sexual relations. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage requires careful consideration of context to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence across various sources, including news media and academic texts, though formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives. The phrase carries a neutral to informal register, and understanding its nuanced meaning is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To go to bed with

This phrase is similar but slightly less direct than "to sleep with", implying an overnight stay.

To have sexual relations with

This is a more formal and direct way of saying "to sleep with", focusing on the act of sexual intercourse.

To have intercourse with

This is a clinical and direct way to express the act of sexual intercourse.

To be intimate with

This phrase is a more general and euphemistic way to describe physical intimacy, not necessarily implying sexual intercourse.

To engage in sexual activity with

This is a formal and clinical way of describing sexual activity.

To make love to

This phrase suggests a more romantic and affectionate context for sexual activity.

To get down with

This is a more informal and colloquial way of expressing sexual activity.

To hook up with

This phrase suggests a casual or one-time sexual encounter.

To shack up with

Implies a more long-term arrangement of living and sleeping together, possibly including sexual relations.

To couple with

A rather formal and scientific term for the act of mating or sexual union.

FAQs

What does "to sleep with" usually mean?

The phrase "to sleep with" typically implies engaging in sexual relations with someone. It's a common idiom used in both formal and informal contexts.

What can I say instead of "to sleep with" if I want to be more formal?

If you're aiming for a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "to have sexual relations with" or "to be intimate with". These options are less ambiguous and suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it ever appropriate to use "to sleep with" in a non-sexual context?

While rare, "to sleep with" can sometimes refer to literally sleeping with something, like "to sleep with a teddy bear". However, this usage is much less common and might cause confusion without clear context. The sentence is grammatically correct, as stated by Ludwig.

How has the meaning of "to sleep with" changed over time?

The phrase has consistently implied sexual intimacy for a long time. Although usage may vary across different generations and social groups, its core meaning has remained relatively stable.