What does the phrasal verb “sleep together” mean?

What are the definitions of “sleep together”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To have sexual intercourse.

  He said: 'One girl came in and told us an admin officer had visited her flat and they slept together.

• 2. To have sexual relations with someone.

  They’re not married but I think they’re sleeping together.

• 3. To share a bed for sleeping, usually implying a romantic or sexual relationship.

  Why do couples sleep together? It is not obvious why people choose to sleep together.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sleep together”?

The phrasal verb sleep together has multiple meanings, but the second and third meanings, which refer to having sexual relations with someone and sharing a bed for sleeping, are more commonly used than the first meaning of sexual intercourse.

What are the different verb forms of “sleep together”?

Root Verb	*sleep together*
Third Person Singular Present	*sleeps together*
Present Participle	*sleeping together*
Simple Past	*slept together*
Past Participle	*slept together*

Example

He said: 'One girl came in and told us an admin officer had visited her flat and they slept together.

Example

She often wonders if the couple next door sleeps together.

Example

They were spotted sleeping together during the camping trip.

Example

Last night, they slept together for the first time.

Example

The rumor is that they have slept together in the past.

What kind of phrasal verb is “sleep together”?

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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

“sleep together” 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

She often wonders if the couple next door sleeps together.

Example

They were spotted sleeping together during the camping trip.

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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

“sleep together” 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

She often wonders if the couple next door sleeps together.

Example

They were spotted sleeping together during the camping trip.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sleep together”?

Sexual intercourse

Refers to engaging in sexual activity with someone.

Example

He said: 'One girl came in and told us an admin officer had visited her flat and they slept together.

Sexual relations

Describes having a sexual relationship with someone without necessarily implying intercourse.

Example

They’re not married but I think they’re sleeping together.

Share a bed for sleeping

Implies a romantic or sexual relationship while describing the act of sharing a bed for sleeping.

Example

Why couples sleep together It is not obvious why people choose to sleep together.

Good things to know

Does “sleep together” have an informal or formal tone?

The phrasal verb sleep together is generally used in informal conversations and discussions related to relationships and intimacy.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “sleep together”?

Synonyms

• have sex
• be intimate
• be together
• be in a relationship

Antonyms

• abstain
• be celibate
• stay apart
• break up