I shall lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I shall lay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a future intention to place something down or to set something in a particular position. Example: "I shall lay the foundation for the new project next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Anyway, I shall lay out some authors' complaints and also some things that indeed publishers don't tell their writers.

The New York Times - Books

I shall lay me down and bleed a while, then I shall rise and fight again.' That should be the feeling of all of the Yankees today".

The New York Times

When I speak that Word, I shall lay the foundation for that which is to take place during the next seven hundred years.

Wikipedia

Three days from now, after half a century in the service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.

Huffington Post

As she approached the Dutch fleet Walker gathered the crew and addressed them saying 'My lads, you see your enemy; I shall lay you close aboard and give you an opportunity of washing the stain off your characters in the blood of your foes.

Wikipedia

I shall lay out the existing consensus arguments for ignoring past receipt of medical resources when deciding about future use of such resources.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even Hercules, the best beloved of Jove- even he could not escape the hand of death, but fate and Juno's fierce anger laid him low, as I too shall lie when I am dead if a like doom awaits me.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We shall lay to rest our undying dead: I shall bury you, you will bury me.

The New Yorker

Sec. 3. Every opinion shall be promptly delivered to the chief justice, who shall lay the same before the court.

Cornell University

Under that test, a delegation of legislative authority will be upheld as long as Congress "shall lay down by legislative act an intelligible principle" to which the agency "is directed to conform".

The New York Times

"If Congress shall lay down by legislative act an intelligible principle to which the (President) is directed to conform, such legislative action is not a forbidden delegation of legislative power". Id., At 409, 48 S.Ct., at 352.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I shall lay", ensure the context is appropriate for the somewhat archaic tone. Consider whether a more modern phrasing like "I will place" would be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "I shall lay" in informal contexts or everyday conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more common alternatives like "I will put" or "I'm going to place" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I shall lay" functions as a declarative statement expressing a future action with a degree of formality. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts of outlining plans or responsibilities. The phrase commits the speaker to a future course of action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Academia

33.33%

Formal & Business

33.33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I shall lay" is a grammatically correct and somewhat formal way to express a future intention, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not frequently used in contemporary English, its appearance in news, academic, and business contexts indicates its suitability for formal declarations or promises. For everyday conversation, simpler alternatives such as "I will place" or "I'm going to put" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I will place

Replaces the more formal "shall" with the simpler "will", indicating a future action.

I intend to put

Indicates a planned action of placing something, conveying a deliberate intent.

I am going to set

A more informal way of expressing a future action of setting something down.

I plan to position

Emphasizes the careful placement or arrangement of something.

I will deposit

Suggests a formal or careful placement, often used for valuables or important items.

I am about to set down

Indicates an imminent action of placing something.

I propose to establish

Suggests creating or setting up something in a formal way.

I am to put

A formal way to indicate an obligation or planned action.

I'm going to position

More informal version of position but still carries intention.

I expect to place

Indicates an anticipated action of placing something.

FAQs

How can I use "I shall lay" in a sentence?

You can use "I shall lay" to express a future intention to place something down or set something in a particular position. For example: "I shall lay the foundation for the new project next week."

What is a more modern alternative to "I shall lay"?

While grammatically correct, "I shall lay" can sound formal. Alternatives like "I will place" or "I intend to put" offer a more contemporary tone.

Is it correct to use "I shall lay" in casual conversation?

While grammatically sound, using "I shall lay" in casual conversation might sound overly formal. Consider alternatives like "I am going to set" or "I am about to set down" for a more natural feel.

What is the difference between "I shall lay" and "I will lay"?

"I shall lay" traditionally expresses a firm intention or promise, while "I will lay" simply indicates a future action. However, in modern English, "will" is often used in both cases.