sleep with

USAGE SUMMARY

"sleep with" can be used in written English.
It generally means to share a bed with someone, and is often used in a romantic context. For example, "My boyfriend and I have been together for five years, but we still don't sleep with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sleep with him?

The New Yorker

"YOU sleep with us!

The Economist

"I sleep with it.

The New York Times - Food

Or sleep with him.

The New Yorker

We actually sleep with comforters".

The New York Times

"I'd sleep with them all".

The New York Times

Sleep with my husband.

The New Yorker

I'll sleep with you.

The New Yorker

Who I sleep with.

The New York Times - Sports

Some owners sleep with their dried pets.

The New York Times

Did she sleep with her mouth open?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "sleep with". It can mean simply sharing a bed, but it often implies sexual relations. Clarity is key to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't assume everyone interprets "sleep with" as sexual intercourse. To prevent ambiguity, especially in formal writing, use more precise language, such as "share a bed" or "have sexual relations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleep with" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI data indicates it is commonly used to describe either sharing a bed or engaging in sexual activity. The meaning depends heavily on context, requiring careful interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sleep with" is a versatile verb phrase with two primary meanings: sharing a bed and engaging in sexual activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but also underscores the importance of context to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is very common, predominantly used in news and media, as well as wiki sources. While its directness might be inappropriate for formal or scientific writing, in most neutral or informal contexts, it is perfectly acceptable. Therefore, writers should exercise discretion, ensuring clarity based on the intended meaning and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have sex with

A direct and commonly used synonym for sexual intercourse.

share a bed with

Focuses on the act of sharing sleeping space, removing the implication of intimacy.

go to bed with

Can imply either sharing a bed or having sexual relations.

co-sleep with

Emphasizes sharing a bed, often implying a parental or non-romantic context.

make love with

A more romantic and intimate way of saying "have sex with".

have relations with

A more formal way of saying "have sexual intercourse with".

be intimate with

Highlights the emotional and physical closeness, less direct than "sleep with".

get it on with

A more slang and informal way of saying "have sex with".

have a sexual encounter with

A clinical term referring to a sexual interaction.

engage in sexual activity with

A very formal and clinical alternative.

FAQs

What does "sleep with" mean?

The phrase "sleep with" can mean to share a bed with someone or to have sexual intercourse with someone. The specific meaning depends on the context.

Is "sleep with" a formal or informal expression?

"Sleep with" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal contexts, it is better to use phrases like "have sexual relations with" or "share a bed with" depending on the intended meaning.

What are some alternative phrases for "sleep with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "share a bed with", "have sex with", or "be intimate with".

When is it appropriate to use "sleep with"?

It's appropriate to use "sleep with" in informal settings when the context makes it clear whether you mean sharing a bed or engaging in sexual activity. Avoid using it in formal writing where clarity is crucial.