as it lies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it lies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or condition in its current state without any alterations or changes. Example: "We must evaluate the project as it lies before making any decisions about its future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When you rock the phone as it lies on its convex side, you can glimpse messages on the display if you happen to be looking at it sideways.

The Guardian - Tech

A large gash can be seen in the hull of the Costa Concordia as it lies on its side.

BBC

According to Spinoza, "each thing, as far as it lies in itself, strives to persevere in its being" (Ethics, part 3, prop. 6).

Wikipedia

Allison must play the ball as it lies.

The New York Times - Sports

But how to remake the body as it lies dying?

The New Yorker

Play the ball as it lies and avoid the desire to even out misfortune.

The New York Times

C. Allison incurs a two-stroke penalty and must play the ball as it lies.

The New York Times - Sports

ACCEPT THE HAND YOU ARE DEALT Play the ball as it lies.

The New York Times - Sports

Andy incurs no penalty and plays his ball as it lies.

The New York Times - Sports

The video pans slowly over the boy's swollen and disfigured corpse as it lies on a plastic sheet.

The New York Times

This is a virtual focal point as it lies on the incident side of the plasmonic lens.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it lies" to describe a static situation or condition that you are evaluating or referencing. For example, when discussing the state of a project before making changes.

Common error

Avoid using "as it lies" when you intend to describe a dynamic or changing situation. This phrase implies a state of rest or non-alteration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it lies" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the state or position in which something exists. Ludwig examples shows its role in describing existing conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it lies" is a versatile expression used to describe the current state or condition of something without any alterations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, use "as it lies" to refer to a static condition that you are evaluating or referencing, and avoid using it when describing dynamic or changing situations. Consider alternatives like ""as it stands"" or ""in its present state"" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it stands

Highlights the current situation or condition without any immediate modifications.

as it is presently

Stresses the present moment and unchanged circumstances.

as it currently exists

Emphasizes that something is in existence and unchanged for the moment.

in its present state

Emphasizes the current condition or form without implying a change in position.

in its current form

Highlights that the shape or structure is unchanged.

in its existing condition

Focuses on the physical or operational state of something at the moment.

in the condition it's in

Highlights the current condition, often implying some deficiency or problem.

in situ

A more formal term used to describe something in its original place or position.

in its original position

Focuses specifically on the unchanged spatial placement.

in its untouched state

Implies that something has not been altered or modified.

FAQs

How can I use "as it lies" in a sentence?

You can use "as it lies" to describe something in its current state or position. For example, "We must accept the evidence "as it lies"" or "The ball must be played "as it lies" in golf".

What are some alternatives to "as it lies"?

Alternatives to "as it lies" include "as it stands", "in its present state", or "in its current form" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as it lies"?

It is appropriate to use "as it lies" when you want to emphasize the current, unaltered condition or state of something before any changes are made or actions are taken.

Is "as it lays" an acceptable alternative to "as it lies"?

No, "as it lays" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct phrase is ""as it lies"", which refers to the state or position something is currently in. "Lays" is the transitive form of the verb "to lay", meaning to place something down.