Is she in bed?

[englishhobby]

Here('s) are two similar exchanges between two people. Are they natural? Can we use the phrase 'to be in bed' in two different contexts - 1) "in bed" = in her/his bed? 2)to be ill in bed?
1.
- How is Bill?
- He is not well.
- Oh, that's a pity! What's the matter? It isn't the flu, is it?
- Oh, no, it's a bad cold, he's better today.
- Is he in bed?
- No, he isn't. He is at his computer.

2.
- How is Bill?
- He is not well.
- Oh, that's a pity! What's the matter? It isn't the flu, is it?
- Oh, no, it's a bad cold, he's better today.
- Is he in bed?
- No, he isn't. He doesn't follow the doctor 's advice.

 

[englishhobby]

I see no difference in the meaning of 'in bed' in those sentences.

I think I've used very similar examples. The second should be:

Is Jane up?
No, she's in bed.

 

[teechar]

Here are two similar exchanges between two people.

See correction above.

2)to be ill in bed?

Perhaps you're looking for the word "bedridden."

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/bedridden

 

[emsr2d2]

There's a big difference between being in bed ill and being bedridden.

 

[teechar]

Of course there is.

 

[Tdol]

Can we use the phrase 'to be in bed' in two different contexts - 1) "in bed" = in her/his bed? 2)to be ill in bed?
1.

Yes, we can.