slept poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slept poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a night of inadequate or unsatisfactory sleep. Example: "After a long week of work, I finally had a chance to relax, but I still slept poorly due to my racing thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Nearly everyone slept poorly.

The New York Times

He slept poorly.

The New York Times

Among other effects, they slept poorly.

The New York Times

That night, Ms. Davis slept poorly.

The New York Times

I slept poorly and cried all the time.

The New Yorker

I slept (poorly) in Donald Trump's childhood home.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They sleep poorly.

The New York Times

I go to bed and sleep poorly.

The New York Times - Magazine

All this advice is helpful for people who sleep poorly.

The New York Times

He will start sleeping poorly in about a week.

The New York Times - Sports

Numerous studies show that you're more likely to sleep poorly if you're poor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of poor sleep, using "slept poorly" is effective. For chronic issues, consider phrases like "suffers from poor sleep" for more impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "slept poorly" might sound less professional in formal writing. Instead, use specific terms like "experienced insomnia" or "had a disrupted sleep cycle" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slept poorly" functions as a verb phrase, specifically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of sleeping in an unsatisfactory or inadequate manner. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slept poorly" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a night of inadequate or unsatisfactory sleep. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples from reliable sources, showing its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the audience and context. In more formal settings, using more precise terms like "insomnia" or "sleep disturbance" might be preferable. Alternative phrases like "had a restless night" or "didn't sleep well" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't sleep well

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

got little sleep

Focuses on the insufficient quantity of sleep.

had a restless night

Focuses on the disturbed nature of the sleep, rather than the quality.

had trouble sleeping

Highlights the difficulty in achieving restful sleep.

experienced poor sleep

More formal and emphasizes the sleep experience.

had a fitful sleep

Highlights the irregular and disturbed nature of the sleep.

endured a sleepless night

Emphasizes the lack of sleep and the suffering it caused.

tossed and turned all night

Describes the physical restlessness during sleep.

scarcely slept at all

Indicates minimal or almost no sleep.

was awake most of the night

Emphasizes the extended periods of wakefulness.

FAQs

What are some common causes of sleeping poorly?

Common causes include stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, underlying medical conditions, and consumption of stimulants like caffeine or alcohol before bed.

What can I say instead of "slept poorly"?

You can use alternatives like "had a restless night", "didn't sleep well", or "experienced poor sleep depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slept bad" or "slept poorly"?

"Slept poorly" is the grammatically correct and preferred option. "Slept bad" is generally considered incorrect in standard English.

How does sleeping poorly affect daily life?

Poor sleep can lead to decreased concentration, impaired memory, mood swings, weakened immune system, and reduced physical performance.