about to lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about to lay" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is on the verge of doing something, often in a context related to laying something down or preparing to lay something. Example: "She was about to lay the foundation for her new project when the rain started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"But wouldn't advise anyone with hens about to lay to go into a railway station; it would put them off and they would stop laying".

The Guardian

He was about to lay down millions more.

The New York Times

So it was soon obvious to the crowd that the creature was about to "lay".

The New Yorker

Its driver, the police said, was about to lay down a far bloodier wake.

The New York Times

At this very second, the great Cadbury chicken may be about to lay another mediocre batch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In late spring or early summer, they are mating or about to lay their eggs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I wasn't about to lie to the committee.

The New Yorker

Back then, all of New York was about to lie at his feet.

The New York Times

Jersey were not about to lie down though and when number eight Thompson breached the defensive line to score, the islanders had secured at least a bonus point.

BBC

He wasn't about to lie.

Huffington Post

Parents will tell you when you are about to lie you should stop and ask yourself, "Is this wrong?" Try asking yourself, "Is this a lie" really quickly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to lay" to clearly indicate that an action is expected to happen very soon. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "lay" with "lie". "Lay" requires a direct object (something is being laid down), while "lie" is intransitive (one lies down). For example, "The hen is about to lay an egg" is correct, but "The hen is about to lie down" means something different.

Linguistic Context

"About to lay" functions as a prepositional phrase followed by a verb, indicating the imminence of an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically modifies a verb phrase, expressing that an event is on the verge of occurring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Lifestyle

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about to lay" is a versatile phrase used to express the imminence of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions as a prepositional phrase followed by a verb, primarily found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of potential confusion with the word "lie", and consider using alternative phrases like "on the verge of laying" for nuanced expression. Always use "lay" when something is being placed or produced, and reserve "lie" for reclining. The phrase enjoys consistent usage across various registers, making it a reliable choice for indicating that an event is about to occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of laying

Emphasizes being at the very edge of performing the action.

on the brink of laying

Highlights the critical point just before the action occurs.

just about to lay

Adds slight emphasis to the immediacy of the action.

ready to lay

Focuses on the state of preparedness for the action.

preparing to lay

Highlights the act of getting ready for the action.

going to lay

A more informal and direct way to express the imminent action.

intending to lay

Focuses on the intention behind the action, implying it will happen soon.

planning to lay

Emphasizes the planning stage preceding the imminent action.

close to laying

Indicates proximity in time to the action.

nearing the point of laying

A more descriptive way of saying something is close to happening.

FAQs

How can I use "about to lay" in a sentence?

Use "about to lay" to indicate that someone or something is on the verge of performing an action. For example, "The company is about to lay off several employees."

What's a more formal alternative to "about to lay"?

Consider using "on the verge of laying" or "on the brink of laying" as more formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "about to lay" and "going to lay"?

"About to lay" suggests a more immediate action compared to "going to lay", which can imply a plan for the near future. "The hen is about to lay an egg" means it's happening very soon, while "The hen is going to lay an egg" simply means it will happen sometime.

Is "about to lie" different from "about to lay"?

Yes, they have different meanings. "About to lie" means someone is on the verge of telling a falsehood, whereas "about to lay" means someone or something is on the verge of placing or producing something, like laying tiles or laying an egg. Be mindful of the spelling as well; “lie” is the verb for not telling the truth, while “lay” is to place something down.