lying on the couch

USAGE SUMMARY

"lying on the couch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's position or activity while they are taking a rest, for example: After a long day at work, Janice just wanted to relax and unwind, so she lay on the couch and watched a movie.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The first time I met one of our mice, I was lying on the couch, probably watching "The Real World".

Huffington Post

I was lying on the couch watching daytime television.

The Guardian - Books

Gisèle T was moaning, lying on the couch.

The Guardian - Books

The man with the glasses is lying on the couch at his psychoanalyst's office.

The New Yorker

I was lying on the couch feeling miserable — the usual traveller's bug — when the phone rang.

The New Yorker

Neal was lying on the couch, which unfolded into his and my mother's bed.

The New Yorker

My husband walked in, saw me lying on the couch, and picked up the phone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I'm baffled by the presence of so many skinny, beautiful young journalists, looking fatigued, lying on the couches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Afterward I lay on the couch.

The New Yorker

A fox lies on the couch.

The Guardian

Yes?" Alexander Portnoy lies on the couch.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lying on the couch" to vividly describe a scene of relaxation, illness, or contemplation, making your writing more relatable and engaging.

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between "lying" (to recline) and "laying" (to place something down). "Lying on the couch" is correct when describing someone reclining, whereas "laying the blanket on the couch" describes placing an object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying on the couch" functions as a prepositional phrase that often modifies a verb, adverb, or noun. It describes a state of being or an action performed in a specific location. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lying on the couch" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a state of reclining or resting. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in news, media, and academic sources, it serves to depict relaxation, inactivity, or sometimes illness. While alternative phrases like "lounging on the couch" or "reclining on the couch" exist, "lying on the couch" remains a versatile and frequently employed expression, as shown by the numerous examples Ludwig provides. Pay attention to the correct usage of "lying" versus "laying" to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resting on the couch

Focuses on the act of taking a break and relaxing on the couch.

taking a rest on the couch

Replaces "lying" with a more explicit phrase indicating the act of resting.

lounging on the couch

Implies a leisurely and relaxed way of lying, suggesting comfort and ease.

stretched out on the couch

Emphasizes the extension of the body while lying, suggesting relaxation and comfort.

lazing on the couch

Similar to lounging, but implies a more idle and perhaps unproductive way of relaxing.

reclining on the couch

Replaces "lying" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a relaxed posture.

down on the couch

Simply states the action of being down on the couch.

sprawled on the couch

Suggests a more casual and uninhibited way of lying, often taking up more space.

propped up on the couch

Indicates a semi-recumbent position, often supported by pillows or cushions.

slumped on the couch

Implies a lack of energy or motivation, suggesting a heavy or tired posture.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "lying on the couch"?

You can use alternatives like "lounging on the couch", "reclining on the couch", or "resting on the couch" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "laying on the couch"?

No, "laying on the couch" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "lying on the couch", as "lying" is the present participle of the verb "to lie", meaning to recline.

How can the phrase "lying on the couch" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "lying on the couch" can be used to describe someone in a relaxed state, such as "After a long day, she enjoyed lying on the couch with a good book".

What is the difference between "lying on the couch" and "sitting on the couch"?

"Lying on the couch" implies a reclining position, while "sitting on the couch" suggests an upright or seated position.