can lay that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can lay that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing the ability to place or set something down, often metaphorically or in a figurative sense. Example: "If you can lay that foundation properly, the rest of the project will be much easier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's safe to say that anyone who had been pulling for a Sinofsky return can lay that dream to rest.

TechCrunch

Each filter can be double-tapped to reveal an intensity slider so you can lay that sepia effect on heavy or light to get the perfect hipster sheen.

TechCrunch

What is important is that you have a good idea of where you want to go and can lay that out clearly," says Temeles. "Applications like that can really jump out".

Science Magazine

If I get some peace and quiet, I can lay that on you".

The New Yorker

One of his thoughts had been that Dylan was out and kept climbing to get reception, so maybe now he can lay that to rest.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

BBC News – Researchers have genetically modified chickens that can lay eggs that contain drugs for arthritis and some cancers.

Duke University

Thus queens can lay eggs that are either unfertilized or fertilized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, he continues, "there's not an identity that I can lay claim to that I don't also feel ambiguous or ambivalent about, whether that's Chineseness, or Welshness, or Britishness.

The Guardian - Books

Not many New Yorkers can lay claim to that pleasure.

The New York Times

Molinari stepped firmly out of Woods's major shadow; not many players can lay claim to that.

The Guardian - Sport

By equating sustainability with innovation today, enterprises can lay the groundwork that will put them in the lead when the recession ends.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can lay that" when you want to express the ability to establish a foundation or basis for something, whether literally or figuratively. For example, "If you "can lay that" groundwork effectively, the rest of the project will be easier."

Common error

Avoid using "can lay that" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Alternatives like "establish" or "demonstrate" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can lay that" functions as a verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to place, establish, or attribute something. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is used when discussing the ability to set something down, often metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can lay that" is a grammatically sound way to express the ability to establish or place something, often used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its usage is relatively rare, occurring primarily in news and media contexts, it's important to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives like "establish" or "demonstrate" for academic or professional writing. The provided examples and related phrases can help refine your understanding and application of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to place that

Replaces "can lay" with a more formal synonym for ability and placement, while retaining "that".

has the capacity to put that

Substitutes "can lay" with a phrase emphasizing capability and using "put" as a synonym for "lay".

is in a position to set that

Replaces "can lay" with a phrase indicating a state of readiness or opportunity to "set" something.

can establish that

Changes the verb to "establish", implying a more formal or definitive action related to "that".

can prove that

Modifies the action to "prove", suggesting the ability to demonstrate or verify something.

is capable of positing that

Replaces "can lay" with a more sophisticated expression involving the act of proposing or suggesting.

is equipped to position that

Focuses on the readiness or tools available to "position that", rather than simply "lay" it.

can attribute that

Shifts the meaning to assigning or ascribing "that" to something or someone.

can deposit that

Replaces "lay" with "deposit", suggesting a more deliberate or formal placement.

can level that

Changes the verb to "level", suggesting a potential of creating a plane surface

FAQs

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

You can use "can lay that" to express the ability to establish something, such as "If we "can lay that" foundation, the rest of the project will be much easier."

What are some alternatives to "can lay that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is able to place that", "can establish that", or "can prove that".

Is "can lay that" formal or informal?

"Can lay that" is generally considered neutral to informal. In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "can establish that".

What's the difference between "can lay that" and "can put that"?

While similar, "can lay that" often implies establishing a base or foundation, whereas "can put that" is a more general term for placing something. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.