sweet dream

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweet dream" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "sweet dream" when you are wishing someone a good night's sleep. For example, "Good night - sweet dream!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Nutella, a hazelnut spread, is featured in many of the dessert crepes, paired with walnuts and maple syrup in the Sweet Dream ($6.50) and with bananas in Banana Sweetness ($6.50).

The New York Times

"This is a very sweet dream".

The New York Times - Sports

"I was so excited in that sweet dream," she said.

The New York Times

My sweet dream has come true: I have turned into a ghost".

The New York Times

Everything that has happened and all that safety will be past, just like a sweet dream.

The New York Times

(Breslin would go on to write a book about the dead worker, "The Short Sweet Dream of Eduardo Gutierrez").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Sweet dreams indeed.

The Economist

Sweet dreams, dear reader.

The New York Times - Books

Sweet dreams everyone".

Independent

Sweet dreams, kid.

The New York Times - Arts

Sweet dreams dear friend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweet dream" to express good wishes before someone goes to sleep, or to describe a particularly pleasant and unrealistic hope or ambition.

Common error

While "sweet dream" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more professional or precise language depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sweet dream" is that of a noun phrase, where "sweet" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "dream". Ludwig shows it can function as a standalone expression of good wishes, or as part of a larger sentence describing a pleasant but potentially unattainable aspiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

The New Yorker

5%

The New York Times - Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweet dream" is a commonly used noun phrase functioning as a wish for a good night's sleep or as a descriptor for something highly desirable but perhaps unrealistic. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and particularly frequent in news and media contexts. Its register is generally informal, though context dictates its appropriateness. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability. While generally versatile, consider the level of formality required by your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happy fantasy

Replaces "dream" with "fantasy", implying something imaginary but pleasing.

pleasant reverie

Replaces "dream" with "reverie", suggesting a waking dream or daydream.

delightful vision

Uses "delightful" for "sweet" and "vision" for "dream", suggesting a beautiful or inspiring mental image.

rosy expectation

Suggests a positive anticipation or hope, using "rosy" for a sense of optimism.

cherished aspiration

Substitutes "sweet" with "cherished" and "dream" with "aspiration", emphasizing a deeply valued goal.

ideal scenario

Highlights a perfect or highly desirable set of circumstances.

blissful illusion

Implies a happy but possibly unreal state, using "blissful" for "sweet" and "illusion" for "dream".

favorable outcome

Focuses on a positive result or conclusion.

promising prospect

Shifts focus to a favorable future possibility.

golden opportunity

Changes the context to a positive chance or prospect, using metaphorical language.

FAQs

How can I use "sweet dream" in a sentence?

You can use "sweet dream" to wish someone a good night's sleep, as in "Good night, "sweet dream"!" or to describe something that is ideal but unlikely to happen.

What are some alternatives to saying "sweet dream"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "pleasant reverie", "cherished aspiration", or "happy fantasy".

Is "sweet dream" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "sweet dream" might be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more precise and professional language depending on your audience.

Can "sweet dream" have a negative connotation?

Sometimes, yes. It can imply that something is unrealistic or naive. For example, "The idea that taxes will be lowered significantly is a "sweet dream", but unlikely to occur."