get under the covers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get under the covers" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action of getting into bed, often implying a sense of comfort or warmth. Example: "After a long day, I just want to get under the covers and relax with a good book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He loves to get under the covers.

The New York Times

I get under the covers, and dream of where I've been.

The New York Times

She lay down on the bed, though she wouldn't get under the covers.

The New Yorker

On her way out, she whispered to the husband that he should get under the covers with his wife.

The New York Times

I wanted to rush back into the bed and get under the covers and go back inside".

The Guardian

She'd rather return home and get under the covers, with the cat lying beside her in the space H. used to occupy.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

During that time, fans in the stadium – which has no roof - were encouraged to get under the cover of the stands or into the concourses.

Independent

"I said, 'This is not like getting under the covers with your wife every night.

The New York Times

Your idea of the impossible dream becomes getting under the covers on a Saturday night and watching World War II documentaries on the History Channel.

The New York Times

When it was evening, I pulled into a motel, and she went right from the car to the bed, where she got under the covers and went immediately back to sleep.

The New Yorker

Overwhelmed by her own complicity in Tony's life style — she is, after all, the one who cooks and serves the bacon that Tony brings home — she got under the covers, where we find her again toward the end of this season, overwhelmed by jealousy of her daughter, who has become an independent-minded college student and is happily in love.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get under the covers" to create a sense of comfort or vulnerability in your writing. It suggests seeking refuge or relaxation.

Common error

Avoid using "get under the covers" in professional or academic writing. It can sound too informal. Opt for phrases like "retire to bed" or more direct statements like "go to sleep" depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get under the covers" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of entering a bed and covering oneself with blankets. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, providing examples of this expression in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get under the covers" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe the action of entering a bed and covering oneself with blankets. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's often used to convey comfort, security, or rest. While grammatically correct, its informality makes it less suitable for formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives such as "crawl into bed" or "retire to bed" in those contexts. The primary contexts are News & Media and Wiki, and authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crawl into bed

This alternative focuses on the physical action of entering the bed, similar to "get under the covers".

snuggle under the blankets

This suggests a sense of comfort and warmth, emphasizing the blankets as a source of coziness.

dive under the duvet

This is a more informal way to describe getting into bed, especially when seeking warmth or comfort.

tuck oneself in

This emphasizes the act of making oneself comfortable in bed.

slip between the sheets

This highlights the action of sliding into bed, often with a sense of anticipation or intimacy.

retire to bed

This is a more formal way of saying going to bed, suitable for more formal contexts.

hit the hay

An informal idiom for going to sleep.

turn in for the night

Implies concluding the day and preparing for sleep.

go to sleep

A general term for starting to sleep.

go to bed

A direct expression of going to bed, without specifying the action of getting under covers.

FAQs

What does "get under the covers" mean?

The phrase "get under the covers" means to enter a bed and position oneself beneath the blankets or sheets, typically for warmth, comfort, or sleep.

How can I use "get under the covers" in a sentence?

You can use "get under the covers" to describe going to bed, seeking comfort, or hiding. For example, "After a long day, I just want to "get under the covers" and relax."

What can I say instead of "get under the covers"?

You can use alternatives like "crawl into bed", "snuggle under the blankets", or "dive under the duvet" depending on the desired nuance.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "get under the covers"?

While generally acceptable, "get under the covers" may be too informal for professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "retire to bed" in those contexts.