What are the definitions of “bed down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Sleep somewhere less comfortable than normal.
We had to BED DOWN on the floor for the night.
- 2Become established or successful over time.
The new government has found it hard to BED DOWN and become accepted.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bed down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bed down is to sleep somewhere less comfortable than usual. It often refers to situations where you have to sleep on the floor, in a sleeping bag, or in a temporary shelter.
What are the different verb forms of “bed down”?
| Root Verb | bed down |
| Third Person Singular Present | beds down |
| Present Participle | bedding down |
| Simple Past | bedded down |
| Past Participle | bedded down |
Example
We had to bed down on the floor for the night.
Example
She beds down in the living room when her relatives visit.
Example
They are bedding down in the tent during the camping trip.
Example
Last night, we bedded down in the airport during our layover.
Example
We had bedded down in the car during the storm.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bed down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“bed down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We bedded down on the floor.
Example
They bedded down in the tent.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bed down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We bedded down on the floor.
Example
They bedded down in the tent.
Good things to know
Does “bed down” have an informal or formal tone?
Bed down is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, you might use alternatives like 'sleep' or 'rest' instead.
