Learn English – Difference between the sentences

word-choice

I have come across these many times

“Please excuse me. I have to leave now to put my children TO SLEEP.
“Please excuse me. I have to leave now to put my children TO BED.

Is there a difference between any of the sentences?

Similarly as follows:

"Please SWITCH your mobile phone to silent mode.”
“Please PUT your mobile phone on silent mode.”

In any case, is one sentence more grammatically correct than another?

Best Answer

I don't know whether you're native English or not, but in the UK, we would never say 'put my children to sleep'. What that actually means is you're intending to either kill them, or use knockout drugs to make them sleep. We put animals 'to sleep', which is a euphemistic term for killing them, in particular with the use of drugs, when they're ill or suffering. Therefore, 'put my children to bed' is usual.

As for switch and put your mobile ... either is fine.

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