can be laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be laid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being placed down or established, often referring to plans, foundations, or rules. Example: "The groundwork for the new project can be laid during the initial planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ghosts can be laid.

The Guardian - Sport

TV tennis commentary can be laid back and minimal.

The New York Times

Just about any bet can be laid, taken and hedged.

The Economist

But that designation can be laid to rest now.

The New York Times

Not all problems can be laid at the authority's feet.

The New York Times

This can be laid at the feet of the Republicans, but not always.

University of California, Berkeley

All these disasters, in varying degrees, can be laid at George Bush's door.

Independent

But not every global problem can be laid at his door.

The New York Times

Corruption and graft can be laid at the door of Tyler, Taylor, Grant and Arthur.

The Economist

But not all Maldives' troubles can be laid at their door.

The Economist

Not every ill in Bangladesh can be laid at the prime minister's door.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be laid" to indicate possibility or potential. For example, "The groundwork for the new project "can be laid" during the initial planning phase."

Common error

Avoid using "can be laid" when an active voice is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "Mistakes "can be laid" to the new intern", consider saying "Mistakes can be attributed to the new intern."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be laid" functions as an auxiliary verb phrase followed by a passive verb construction. It indicates the possibility or ability of something being placed or attributed. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, as reflected in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be laid" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as supported by Ludwig AI and its numerous examples. It is primarily found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts, and serves to indicate the possibility or ability of something being placed, attributed, or established. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid using it when an active voice would be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "can be placed" or "can be attributed" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be placed

Focuses on the physical action of putting something down.

can be attributed

Highlights the action of assigning something to a cause or person.

can be established

Emphasizes the creation or foundation of something.

can be set

Implies arranging or preparing something.

can be put

A more general term for placing or positioning something.

could be positioned

Suggests the possibility of arranging something in a specific location.

may be ascribed

Formal way to express that something can be attributed.

might be credited

Highlights the possibility of giving credit or recognition.

could be imputed

Implies assigning blame or responsibility.

may be assigned

Suggests the possibility of allocating something.

FAQs

How can I use "can be laid" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be laid" is used to indicate that something is able to be placed, attributed, or established. For example, "The foundations for success "can be laid" as soon as the job is accepted".

What does "can be laid at someone's door" mean?

This idiom means that someone is responsible for something, often something negative. For example, "Not all the blame "can be laid" at Lancaster's door".

Which is correct, "can be laid" or "can be lie"?

"Can be laid" is the correct passive form. "Lie" is intransitive (doesn't take an object), while "lay" is transitive (takes an object) and its past participle is "laid". Therefore, "can be laid" is correct in sentences like, "The blame "can be laid" at his door."

What are some alternatives to "can be laid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "can be placed", "can be attributed", or "can be established".