fails to lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fails to lay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something does not succeed in placing or positioning something down. Example: "The contractor fails to lay the foundation properly, which could lead to structural issues later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But consultants warn that Microsoft runs risks if it fails to lay plans quickly.

The New York Times

(2) Aimed at building a moral community, of peace, order & justice, the Charter fails to lay down rules of conduct as a condition of membership.

The New Yorker

Ms. Silverman, who did beautifully by Ms. Kron's "Well," here fails to lay the necessary bedrock of seriousness that "In the Wake" requires.

The New York Times

Photograph: Mike Blake/ Reuters 1.54pm BST Tugstsogt Nyambayar of Mongolia fails to lay a glove on Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana of Cuba in the Flyweight (52kg) final.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, although the text of what is to be known as the New York declaration recognises the scale of the crisis, it fails to lay out concrete measures.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a cowbird female fails to lay in a warbler nest in time for her egg to hatch with those of the host, she can reset the clock in her favour by killing the first clutch.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

MPs failed to lay a finger on him.

The Guardian - Opinion

And he insists the media has failed to lay a glove on him.

The Guardian - Business

During 90 minutes they failed to lay a glove on Rodgers's men.

The Guardian - Sport

Tony Fratto, a White House official under George W. Bush, said Mr. Obama failed to lay the groundwork with his own party.

The New York Times

That raises the prospect of losses for banks that entered the market but failed to lay off their risks properly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fails to lay", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being established or positioned. For example, "The company fails to lay the groundwork for future growth."

Common error

Avoid using "fails to lay" when a different verb like 'set', 'put', or 'place' would be more precise. 'Lay' often implies a foundation or arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fails to lay" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of success in establishing, positioning, or providing something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fails to lay" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates a lack of success in establishing, positioning, or providing something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with notable usage in scientific and wiki sources. While not extremely common, the phrase is versatile and can be used in a variety of formal and neutral registers. Alternatives such as "neglects to place" or "is unable to establish" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance. When using "fails to lay", ensure that the context clearly defines what is not being established or positioned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglects to place

Indicates a lack of attention or care in putting something in a specific position.

omits to set down

Implies a deliberate or unintentional leaving out of something when writing or recording it.

is unable to establish

Highlights the lack of capacity or resources to create a foundation or start something.

does not succeed in positioning

Emphasizes the lack of success in getting something into the desired place or arrangement.

cannot properly set out

Focuses on the inability to arrange or present something in a clear and organized manner.

is deficient in establishing

Indicates a lack of the necessary qualities or components to create or prove something.

falls short of creating

Highlights the failure to achieve the desired level or quality in making something.

misses the mark in forming

Suggests an inaccurate or unsuccessful attempt to create or develop something.

lacks the ability to construct

Emphasizes the absence of the necessary skills or resources to build or create something.

is deficient in furnishing

Suggests a lack of adequate supply or provision of something necessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "fails to lay" to indicate a lack of establishing something or a failure to properly position something. For example: "The government "fails to lay" out a clear economic plan."

What does "fails to lay" mean?

"Fails to lay" generally means that someone or something does not succeed in placing, positioning, or establishing something. The specific meaning depends on the context.

Are there alternatives to "fails to lay"?

Yes, alternatives include "neglects to place", "is unable to establish", or "does not succeed in positioning", depending on the specific context.

Is "fails to lay" formal or informal?

"Fails to lay" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in various contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing.