On the bed and In bed

Students often ask about the difference between “in bed” and “on the bed”. Fortunately, it’s not too tough.

1. in bed = under the covers
• My wife is lying in bed. 
• I like to read in bed before I go to sleep. 

Notice we don’t say “the”.
X I like reading in the bed.
O I like reading in bed. 

2. on the bed = not under the covers
• Marcus! Stop jumping on the bed!
• My dad sat on the bed and read me a story. 

Now just be careful of any monsters lurking under the bed, and you’ll be ok!