sleep like a dead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sleep like a dead" is not correct in English.
The correct expression is "sleep like the dead." You can use it to describe someone who is sleeping very soundly or deeply, often to the point of being unresponsive to external stimuli. Example: "After the long hike, I was so exhausted that I slept like the dead for ten hours straight."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Next week: Idioms from other languages (such as the Chinese phrase 'to sleep like a dead pig') Coming soon: Longest-reigning British monarchs.

Independent

I sleep like a dead dad.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That night, after days of hard hiking, I slept like a dead man.

The Guardian

I would have slept like a dead man but for the sugar rush I got from a bag of Werther's candies and for Peter Newman's rousing three-volume history of the Hudson's Bay Company.

The New York Times

He always slept without breathing, like a dead man.

The New Yorker

Here's a simple guide to sleep like the dead.

Huffington Post

They will then sleep like the dead until at least noon.

The Guardian

Add to that my period, which now comes only a few times a year, and when it does, leaves me in agony and the need to sleep like the dead.

Huffington Post

I guess the best way is sleeping with a dead chick.

Huffington Post

Ms. Vinci introduces us to two other characters, Luca, who spends his days sleeping in a dark room, and Matteo, who runs, "methodical and steady," although until recently he was inactive, "like a dead pine cone".

The New York Times - Books

8. Teens sleep like dead people.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the established idiom "sleep like the dead" to ensure clarity and avoid grammatical errors. The definite article "the" is crucial for correct usage.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "the" in the idiom. Saying "sleep like a dead" is grammatically incorrect and can sound awkward. Always use "sleep like the dead" for the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleep like a dead" functions as an incorrect comparative phrase. It attempts to describe the manner of sleeping, likening it to the stillness of death. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect; the correct idiomatic expression is "sleep like the dead".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sleep like a dead" appears in some sources, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct idiom is "sleep like the dead". It aims to describe a very deep sleep, similar to being unresponsive as if dead. Although it might be understood in informal settings, it is best to use the correct form or alternatives such as "sleep like a log" or "sleep soundly", particularly in formal communication. As Ludwig AI specifies, always prioritize grammatical accuracy for clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sleep like the dead

Uses the correct article "the" to conform to the established idiom for deep sleep.

Sleep soundly

Focuses on the quality of sleep being peaceful and undisturbed.

Sleep deeply

Highlights the intensity of sleep, suggesting a profound state of rest.

Sleep like a log

Uses a common simile to describe someone who sleeps heavily and without moving.

Sleep like a baby

Implies a peaceful and untroubled sleep, characteristic of infants.

Be fast asleep

Describes the state of being quickly and completely asleep.

Be in a deep slumber

Emphasizes the depth and tranquility of sleep.

Be out like a light

Indicates falling asleep very quickly and suddenly.

Drift off to sleep

Describes the gradual process of falling asleep.

Be dead to the world

Suggests being completely unaware of one's surroundings due to deep sleep.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say someone sleeps very deeply?

The correct idiom is "sleep like the dead". It describes someone who is sleeping soundly. Other options include "sleep like a log" or "sleep like a baby".

Is it grammatically correct to say "sleep like a dead"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The established idiom is "sleep like the dead", which is the proper way to express that someone is sleeping very deeply.

What are some alternatives to "sleep like the dead"?

Alternatives include "sleep soundly", "sleep deeply", "be fast asleep", or "be in a deep slumber". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "sleep like the dead" in a sentence?

You can say, "After the marathon, I was so exhausted that I "slept like the dead"." This implies a very deep, undisturbed sleep.