sleeping peacefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sleeping peacefully" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you can use it in a sentence such as: "The baby was sleeping peacefully in her crib."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She found them both sleeping peacefully.

The New Yorker

"I wish that I was sleeping peacefully," he wrote in an email.

The New York Times

She was inevitably inches away, sleeping peacefully as my desire for her boiled.

The New York Times

Lee recalled the morning "communists opened fire on all fronts … when all people were sleeping peacefully".

The Guardian

In no time he was sleeping peacefully & eating whatever she gave him.

The New Yorker

Her baby, 18-month-old Bou Bou, was sleeping peacefully in his cot.

The Guardian

It is said that Iyengar was able to fix the pains within minutes and Menuhin was left sleeping peacefully.

Independent

She could imagine him sleeping peacefully beside her, even feel as if she were watching over him as he slept.

The New Yorker

The boy was back in his room, drugged with morphine, sleeping peacefully for the first time in days.

The New Yorker

Look how restful it is for her, enjoying a nice sandwich and sleeping peacefully in her childhood bed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Monk," as the family calls him, was sleeping peacefully on the patio as he typed, he said, same as always.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "sleeping peacefully" to create a sense of calm and tranquility for the reader. It can be effective in contrasting with surrounding chaos or tension.

Common error

Avoid using "sleeping peacefully" when the context implies a negative situation, such as someone being unaware of danger. The phrase's positive connotation might create an inappropriate or ironic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sleeping peacefully" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb (often "was" or "is"). It describes the manner in which someone is sleeping, indicating a state of tranquility and rest. As Ludwig demonstrates, this construction is frequently employed in descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sleeping peacefully" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone in a state of calm and undisturbed rest. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, followed by formal business and wiki sources. The phrase serves to convey a sense of tranquility and serenity, making it suitable for a wide range of descriptive writing. While the phrase carries a positive connotation, it's important to consider the context to avoid unintended irony. Alternatives such as "resting soundly" or "slumbering serenely" can offer subtle variations in meaning. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is a correct and acceptable construction for expressing a peaceful state of sleep.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resting soundly

Emphasizes the depth and undisturbed nature of the sleep.

slumbering serenely

Highlights the calm and peaceful quality of the sleep.

dozing placidly

Suggests a gentle and undisturbed state of sleep.

in a peaceful slumber

Rephrases the original meaning as a state within a slumber.

at rest and undisturbed

Focuses on the lack of disturbance during the rest.

reposing in tranquility

Highlights the tranquility of the resting state.

out like a light

A more informal way of saying someone is sleeping deeply and quickly.

fast asleep

Indicates a deep and sound sleep.

lost in slumber

Emphasizes the depth of sleep, as if the person is lost in it.

calmly sleeping

Swaps the adjective and adverb while maintaining the same core meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "sleeping peacefully" in a sentence?

You can use "sleeping peacefully" to describe someone or something in a state of calm and undisturbed rest. For example, "The baby was "sleeping peacefully" in her crib" or "The dog was "sleeping peacefully" on the couch".

What are some alternatives to "sleeping peacefully"?

Some alternatives include "resting soundly", "slumbering serenely", or "dozing placidly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "slept peacefully" instead of "sleeping peacefully"?

Yes, "slept peacefully" is grammatically correct, but it's the past tense form. Use "slept peacefully" to describe an action that already happened, while "sleeping peacefully" describes an ongoing state or action.

What's the difference between "sleeping peacefully" and "sleeping soundly"?

While both phrases describe a positive state of sleep, "sleeping peacefully" emphasizes the calm and tranquil nature of the sleep, while "sleeping soundly" highlights the depth and undisturbed nature of the sleep.