dragn
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Posts: 450
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 Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2009 7:48 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
I came across the following two sentences:
1. We wished to sleep in comfortable beds.
2. They were tired and lay down on their beds.
Are "in" and "on" both collocated with "bed"? Is there any difference? |
Yes, both in and on collocate with bed, with slightly different meanings. I'm not sure about other English-speaking countries, but in most parts of the United States there is a difference.
Generally, if you are in bed (note that the article is sometimes omitted), you are covered with something, maybe a blanket, a quilt, a sheet, or some combination of these. We probably say in because you are between the surface of the bed and "the covers," as they are called...sort of like a "bed sandwich." You are enclosed in a sense.
If you are on the bed (note that you must retain the article here), then you are not covered with anything. You're just lying down on the surface of the bed, as if you were just taking a nap during the day or something.
Note that if you are sleeping at night in the usual way, we still often say you're in bed even if you are not covered. Others may have a slightly different take on this.
| Quote: |
He was very sad ______ missing the chance.
A. for B. because of
Are both answers right ? |
Well, I can tell you B is the better answer and A is awkward and unnatural.
Other possibilities:
He was very sad at/about/due to/as a result of missing the chance.
Greg
Sorry pugachevV, didn't see ya.  |
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