in slumber

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in slumber" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is sleeping or in a state of sleep. Example: "The baby lay peacefully in slumber, unaware of the world around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Verse - "In slumber and sleep my senses fail'd,".

Yale University

In the dogwood tepee, ants sweat in slumber.

The Guardian - Books

Yet staying put in that position, while wrapped in slumber, is not always an easy feat.

The New York Times

Dogs, paws aquiver, tails thumping faintly in slumber, chase squirrels in the park.

The New York Times - Science

Wrapped in slumber, he would shout obscenities, kick the walls, punch the pillows.

The New York Times - Science

Does all the world suddenly become public space, the conscious "I" having dissolved in slumber?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Thursday The competition gets its first sniff of scandal with the Australian film Sleeping Beauty, an erotic drama in which a young woman becomes a prostitute who specialises in slumbering while elderly roués do unspeakable things to her naked body.

Independent

An often neglected caveat of introducing heterogeneity in TB transmission models is that the factors that drive heterogeneity may break assumptions of random mixing (e.g. being in prison or nursing-home, working on health-care, living in slumbers).

BMC Infectious Diseases

My underwear and tights will spoon in undisturbed slumber in companionable furrows in my drawer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, they say they worked together to create eight new sleep products designed to improve in-flight slumber.

TechCrunch

You can hear more about sleep deprivation in teenagers in The Slumber Games, a special investigation for BBC Radio Scotland, on Monday at 13 30.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in slumber" to add a touch of formality or poetic flair to your writing, particularly when describing a peaceful or profound state of sleep. It can be especially effective in narrative or descriptive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in slumber" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "asleep" or "sleeping" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in slumber" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a state of being asleep. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes someone who is sleeping or in a state of sleep.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in slumber" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that describes a state of sleep. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly to depict someone sleeping or in a state of sleep. While "in slumber" is often used to add a touch of formality or poetic flair, it's best to avoid it in casual conversation. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, its synonyms include "asleep", "sleeping", and "at rest". The phrase enjoys common usage, characterized by its neutral register, rendering it a versatile choice for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asleep

A single word indicating a state of sleep, less descriptive than "in slumber".

sleeping

A present participle describing the act of sleeping, less formal than "in slumber".

in a state of sleep

A more verbose and literal way to express the same concept.

in a deep sleep

Emphasizes the intensity of the sleep, adding a descriptive element.

lost in sleep

Highlights the immersion in sleep, suggesting a lack of awareness.

wrapped in sleep

Suggests being enveloped or surrounded by sleep, emphasizing the completeness of the state.

at rest

Implies a state of calmness and inactivity, broader than specifically sleeping.

peacefully sleeping

Focuses on the tranquility of the sleep, adding an emotional tone.

in repose

Suggests a dignified or peaceful state of rest, more formal than "in slumber".

in dreamland

A more figurative and whimsical way to describe being asleep.

FAQs

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

You can use "in slumber" to describe someone who is sleeping peacefully or deeply. For example: "The village lay still, the inhabitants "in slumber"."

What's the difference between "in slumber" and "asleep"?

"In slumber" is more descriptive and formal, suggesting a deeper or more peaceful state of sleep, while "asleep" is a simpler, more general term.

What are some synonyms for "in slumber"?

Synonyms for "in slumber" include "sleeping", "at rest", "in a deep sleep", or "in repose". The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

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

While you might say someone "fell into slumber," the phrase "in slumber" describes the state of being asleep. "Into slumber" describes the action of falling asleep and is slightly less common.