in bed or on bed

[daddyjohn]

Which is correct:

1. He is sleeping in bed.

2. He is sleeping on bed.


If both are correct, is there a difference in meaning?

Many, many thanks again.

[David L.]

The sentence is usually:

"He is in bed sleeping." - he is lying between the sheets, usually with no street clothes on - the usual 'going to bed at night'.

"He is on the bed sleeping." - he is lying on top of the bed-covers (though he may have a rug or blanket over him. He may still be fully clothed except for his shoes.

If you say, "He is sleeping on the bed" (changing the order of the words), you are emphasizing that it is the 'bed' and not the couch or settee or some other alternative.

[kfredson]

Originally Posted by sitifan

1. He is sleeping in bed.
2. He is sleeping in a bed.
3. He is sleeping in the bed.
4. He is sleeping on bed.
5. He is sleeping on a bed.
6. He is sleeping on the bed.
Which of the above sentences is NOT acceptable?

Only number 4 is incorrect. Bed requires an article, except in the first instance where "in bed" has become a commonly used phrase.