go to bed
/ɡoʊ tu bɛd/
Meaning
To get into bed with the intention of sleeping. It refers to the preparation for sleep and the physical act of lying down in bed, rather than the exact moment of falling asleep.
Examples
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I need to go to bed early tonight because I have an exam tomorrow.
I need to go to bed early tonight because I have an exam tomorrow.
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What time do your kids usually go to bed?
What time do your kids usually go to bed?
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I was so tired that I went to bed right after dinner.
I was so tired that I went to bed right after dinner.
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Don't forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed.
Don't forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed.
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She usually reads a book for a few minutes before she goes to bed.
She usually reads a book for a few minutes before she goes to bed.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I go to the bed at 10 PM.
✓ I go to bed at 10 PM.
We do not use the article 'the' when talking about the activity of going to sleep. 'Go to the bed' implies walking toward a specific piece of furniture, not sleeping.
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✗ I went to bed very late yesterday night.
✓ I went to bed very late last night.
In English, we say 'last night' to refer to the previous night, not 'yesterday night'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I am exhausted, so I think I will ___ now.
💡 Prepare to sleep.
Show answer
go to bed
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She always ___ early on weekdays.
💡 Third person singular form.
Show answer
goes to bed