What are the definitions of “sleep with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To have sexual relations with someone.
Are you sleeping with him?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sleep with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sleep with is to have sexual relations with someone. It is often used to refer to the act of having sex, especially in a casual or non-committal context.
What are the different verb forms of “sleep with”?
| Root Verb | sleep with |
| Third Person Singular Present | sleeps with |
| Present Participle | sleeping with |
| Simple Past | slept with |
| Past Participle | slept with |
Example
She decided not to sleep with him on the first date.
Example
He sleeps with different women every week.
Example
She is sleeping with her ex-boyfriend again.
Example
He slept with her best friend, which caused a lot of drama.
Example
She has slept with several people in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sleep with”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“sleep with” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She slept with him after their third date.
Example
He slept with her despite knowing she was in a relationship.
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 with” 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 slept with him after their third date.
Example
He slept with her despite knowing she was in a relationship.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sleep with”?
Good things to know
Does “sleep with” have an informal or formal tone?
Sleep with is a colloquial phrase and is considered informal. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially in casual contexts. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
