under your pillow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under your pillow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is hidden or placed beneath a pillow, often referring to a common belief about finding something like money or a tooth fairy's visit. Example: "If you place your lost tooth under your pillow, the tooth fairy will leave you a surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't think the internet could ever replace a book that you keep under your pillow".

Independent

"It's not really camping unless there's sand under your pillow and a smoky fire".

The New York Times - Travel

So now you can stitch your own hunky Hamlet and keep him under your pillow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave a reminder under your pillow to get out the cheese before morning or your moms will kick your ass.

The New Yorker

"Pillow protectors are used on top of your pillow but under your pillow case," she explained, holding one up.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was cleaning up after dinner, and, my mind on dirty dishes, I began to answer, "Oh, they're under your pillow -- " I stopped.

The Washington Post

"Would you hide a grenade under your pillow?" asked Roneo Clamor, the husband of Dr. Mary Mia-Clamor, one of those now undergoing questioning.

The New York Times

The party, the cake, and cutting a slice of it to put under your pillow that night, to make… We acted the cliché.

The New Yorker

"You put it under your pillow, connect it to the timer on your phone, and it works like an alarm clock".

The New Yorker

There's also plenty of folklore surrounding the tree: if you put an ash leaf under your pillow you'll receive a prophetic dream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Don't tell me – putting your textbook under your pillow at night doesn't work.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under your pillow" when describing a common hiding place or a traditional practice, like placing a lost tooth for the tooth fairy.

Common error

Avoid using "under your pillow" literally in formal or professional writing where a more precise description is required. Opt for specifying the exact location of the object if clarity is essential.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating location. The phrase "under your pillow" specifies where something is placed or kept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used, especially in informal contexts or when referring to common childhood traditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

41%

HuffPost

12%

Less common in

Forbes

1%

Vice

1%

TechCrunch

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under your pillow" is a common and generally correct prepositional phrase primarily used in informal contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to specify location, often referring to hidden objects or sleep-related customs. While frequently used in news, media, and wiki-type content, it is advisable to choose more precise language for formal or professional writing. Remember, while "under your pillow" works well in casual conversation or storytelling, clarity and precision are paramount in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath your pillow

Replaces "under" with a synonym, maintaining the same meaning and context.

below your pillow

Similar to 'beneath', offering a slightly different preposition with the same spatial relationship.

underneath your pillow

A more emphatic version of "under", stressing the position directly below.

placed beneath your pillow

More formal phrasing emphasizing the action of placing the object.

nestled under your pillow

Adds a sense of security and concealment to the action of placing something under the pillow.

lying under your pillow

Describes the state of being positioned under the pillow.

hidden under your pillow

Emphasizes the act of concealing something, suitable where secrecy is important.

kept under your pillow

Focuses on the action of maintaining something in that location.

stashed under your pillow

Implies a quick or secretive placement, ideal for urgent or illicit contexts.

tucked under your pillow

Suggests a gentle and careful placement, suitable for cherished or delicate items.

FAQs

How is "under your pillow" typically used in sentences?

The phrase "under your pillow" often describes a hiding place or refers to traditions like the tooth fairy. For instance, "She kept her journal "under her pillow"."

What's a more formal alternative to "under your pillow"?

For formal contexts, consider using "beneath your pillow" or "placed under the pillow". These options provide a similar meaning but with a more refined tone.

When is it appropriate to use "under your pillow" in writing?

Use "under your pillow" when the context is informal or when referring to well-known customs. Avoid it in formal or technical writing where precision is needed.

Is there a difference between "under your pillow" and "underneath your pillow"?

While both phrases are similar, "underneath your pillow" emphasizes a more direct vertical relationship. "Under your pillow" is generally more common and versatile.