during slumber

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during slumber" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or events that occur while someone is sleeping. Example: "She often dreams of fantastical adventures during slumber."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Reports of violence during slumber date back to the ancient Greeks.

The New York Times - Science

Some participants slept ensconced in fur and wool, buffalo hides serving as natural duvets during slumber under a black sky.

The New York Times - Travel

The average person's blood pressure falls about 10 millimeters of mercury during slumber, a dip that largely occurs when deep sleep sets in.

The New York Times

The uvula is one of the soft-tissue structures that is often implicated in snoring and sleep apnea, or interrupted breathing during slumber.

The New York Times - Science

He made friends as a child at a local mosque, and built friendships during slumber parties and basketball games, and playing video games.

The New York Times

With compassion and acuity, he delves into patients' nocturnal hallucinations, out-of-sync circadian clocks, and even episodes of driving during slumber.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Anesthesia follows, and during her slumber, the female panda is inseminated.

The New York Times

One girl allegedly told police they planned to carry out the slaying during a slumber party last summer so they wouldn't have to see their victim's eyes.

The Washington Post

*Will the renewed popularity of the film "Grease" inspire a comeback for Ipana toothpaste and its mascot Bucky Beaver, which are featured in a commercial shown during the slumber party scene?

The New York Times

The mystery surrounds the disappearance of Alison, who was queen bee of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, dispensing arbitrary social judgments and blessings upon all who crossed her path until she went missing one night during a slumber party.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At some point during my slumber tonight I am going to "lose an hour" of sleep.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "During slumber" adds a slightly poetic or formal tone. In everyday conversation or less formal writing, "during sleep" or "while sleeping" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "during slumber" in contexts that require a casual or modern tone. It can sound stilted or out of place if simpler alternatives are available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during slumber" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating when something occurs. It specifies the temporal context of an action or state, denoting that it happens while someone is sleeping, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science & Research

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during slumber" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurs while someone is sleeping. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's less common than alternatives like "during sleep" or "while sleeping", imparting a slightly more formal or poetic tone. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to specify the temporal context of actions, behaviors, or biological processes occurring during sleep. Choose this phrase when a touch of formality or literary style is desired, but be mindful of maintaining an appropriate tone for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during sleep

Very similar, replacing 'slumber' with a more common term.

while asleep

More common and straightforward alternative.

in sleep

A shorter and more general alternative.

while slumbering

Uses the verb form of 'slumber'.

while in a slumber

Restructures the phrase slightly.

in a state of sleep

More descriptive, emphasizing the sleep state.

during one's repose

More formal and literary alternative.

in the course of sleep

A more verbose alternative.

during nocturnal rest

Focuses on nighttime sleep.

during nighttime sleep

Specifies 'nighttime' sleep.

FAQs

How can I use "during slumber" in a sentence?

You can use "during slumber" to describe events, processes, or states that occur while someone is sleeping. For example, "The brain consolidates memories during slumber."

What are some alternatives to "during slumber"?

Alternatives include "during sleep", "while sleeping", or "in sleep", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "during slumber" more formal than "during sleep"?

Yes, "during slumber" carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the more common and neutral phrase "during sleep".

Is it correct to say "in slumber" instead of "during slumber"?

While "in slumber" can be used, it typically refers to a state of being, whereas "during slumber" specifies a timeframe. Therefore, "during slumber" is more precise when referring to events or processes occurring while someone is sleeping.