a hot bed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hot bed" is not correct; the correct expression is "a hotbed." It is used to describe a place or situation that is characterized by a lot of activity, often of a particular kind, such as crime or innovation.
Example: "The city has become a hotbed of technological innovation, attracting startups from around the world."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Universities are a hot bed for clubs and societies.

The Guardian

"We are a hot bed of fundamentalism and distrust of the government.

The Guardian

The oil-rich Niger Delta is a hot bed of corruption and violence.

The Guardian

"The Catskills have become a hot bed for people to sit on their cushions and actually practice meditation," he said.

The New York Times

There are narrow bunks for the five crew members who operate a "hot bed" shift system and sail 24 hours a day when possible.

The Guardian

He also taught them to start tomatoes and peppers early, in a hot bed of manure on the south side of the pig house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

White wasn't the only one who loved a hot-bed.

The New York Times

China in the 1980s, he says, was a hot-bed of discussion.

The Economist

I'm not suggesting you run out and make a hot-bed.

The New York Times

She lives in a tiny town in rural 1990s South Africa - a hot-bed of traditionalism, racial tension and (in Meg's eyes) ordinariness.

The Guardian

On this place, we have the straw and the horses and the dung, and I won't be making a hot-bed either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct term "hotbed" instead of "a hot bed" to describe a place or situation where something develops rapidly, especially something unwelcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a hot bed" when you mean "hotbed". "Hotbed" is a single word that describes a place or situation where something thrives, whereas "a hot bed" refers literally to a bed that is warm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a noun phrase when intending to refer to the correct term, "hotbed". However, using "a hot bed" is generally considered incorrect because it misses the intended figurative meaning of the single-word term "hotbed", as identified by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "a hot bed" might literally describe a warm bed, it's generally considered an incorrect usage when the intention is to convey the meaning of "hotbed". Ludwig AI identifies "hotbed" as the correct term to describe a place or situation characterized by intense activity, often of an undesirable nature. It's crucial to use the single word "hotbed" to accurately convey the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "breeding ground" or "hub of activity" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid the common mistake of using "a hot bed" when "hotbed" is the appropriate term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hotbed of activity

Emphasizes general activity rather than a specific negative connotation.

a breeding ground for

Implies the fostering and development of something, often negative.

a hub of innovation

Specifically highlights innovation and creativity.

a hive of activity

Suggests a busy and energetic environment, often with many people involved.

a center of controversy

Focuses on disagreement and contention.

a focus of attention

Highlights something that is receiving a lot of interest and scrutiny.

a seedbed for

Implies a place where something starts to grow and develop.

a magnet for

Implies attraction and drawing in of something.

a cradle of

Suggests the origin or birthplace of something significant.

a nexus of

Highlights a central point of connection or intersection.

FAQs

What does the term "hotbed" mean?

A "hotbed" refers to a place or situation characterized by intense activity, especially when it involves controversy or undesirable elements. It's a figurative term indicating a rapid development or concentration of something.

Is it correct to say "a hot bed"?

No, the correct term is "hotbed", without a space. "A hot bed" literally refers to a warm bed, while "hotbed" is a figurative term./s/Figurative+term for a place of intense activity.

What can I say instead of "hotbed"?

You can use alternatives like "breeding ground", "hub of activity", or "center of controversy" depending on the context.

How do I use "hotbed" in a sentence?

You might say, "The region has become a hotbed of political extremism", meaning that political extremism is thriving there. Remember, use the term "hotbed", not "a hot bed".