sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleep" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. For example, "You should get a good night's sleep before the big exam tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Opinion

Sport

Books

Film

Music

Education

Money

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I wake up around 4am and if I've got a bus pass I get on the night bus and sleep there until morning.

The Guardian

I met a man who sometimes lets me sleep at his house but I have to wait outside for him to come home at 10 or 11pm and I get very cold.

The Guardian

I wash in public toilets and sleep in the park," he said.

The Guardian

I sleep like a baby.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The techniques inflicted on the detainees included hooding suspects, putting them into stress positions, sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation and the use of white noise.

The Guardian

Sleep came easily that night in our comfortable beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, two to an en-suite tent, lulled by the sound of the waves lapping on the beach below.

The Guardian - Travel

Remember that although self-employment and sleep deprivation are considered to go hand-in-hand, if that's how you roll you're doing yourself a disservice.

The Guardian

Exercise also helps you sleep better, and helps regulate your appetite, two functions that are very much affected by high levels of stress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That night I don't sleep," he said.

The Guardian

A few years ago when I couldn't sleep, I'd lie there constructing an elaborate fantasy life for myself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Surely, now, this is the moment where the summer of Watto will be taken into the stables, given a quick injection and told to sleep, go to sleep now, sweet Watto, go to sleep.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary when discussing "sleep" to avoid repetition; use synonyms like 'rest', 'slumber', or 'nap' to add nuance and interest to your writing.

Common error

Remember that 'asleep' is an adjective, while "sleep" is a noun or verb. Avoid saying 'I am sleep'; instead, say 'I am asleep' or 'I need sleep'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sleep" is as both a noun, referring to the state of reduced consciousness, and a verb, denoting the action of resting in that state. Ludwig confirms this dual role through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Sport

7%

Books

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sleep" is a versatile term, functioning primarily as both a noun and a verb, and it is very commonly used in written English. Ludwig examples, in line with Ludwig AI, confirm its grammatical correctness and adaptability across numerous contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Lifestyle content, "sleep" maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal discourse. For variety in writing, consider using synonyms such as "rest", "slumber", or "nap". However, be mindful not to confuse "sleep" with its adjectival form 'asleep'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get some shut-eye

Uses a more informal, idiomatic expression for sleeping.

catch some Z's

Employs a playful, informal idiom for sleeping.

take a nap

Refers to a short period of sleep, typically during the day.

have a snooze

Suggests a light and brief period of sleep.

drift off to dreamland

Presents a more whimsical and imaginative way to describe falling asleep.

rest and recuperate

Focuses on the restorative aspect of sleep and relaxation.

go to bed

Indicates the action of retiring for the night to sleep.

turn in for the night

An idiomatic phrase for going to bed.

take a siesta

Specifically refers to an afternoon nap, especially in warmer climates.

enter slumber

Offers a more formal and poetic way to describe falling asleep.

FAQs

How can I use "sleep" in a sentence?

"Sleep" can be used as a noun (e.g., 'I need more sleep') or a verb (e.g., 'I want to sleep'). It's a versatile word for discussing rest.

What are some alternatives to using the word "sleep"?

You can use alternatives like "rest", "slumber", or "nap" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am sleep"?

No, it is not correct. You should say "I am asleep" or "I am sleepy" because 'asleep' and 'sleepy' are adjectives. If you want to use "sleep" as a noun, you could say "I need sleep".

What's the difference between "sleep" and "slumber"?

"Sleep" is a general term for the state of rest. "Slumber" often implies a more peaceful, gentle, or prolonged sleep. Slumber is also frequently used in literature.