has been laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has been laid' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the past tense of the verb 'to lay', which means to put something down, especially carefully or deliberately. For example: "The groundwork for the new infrastructure project has been laid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No Cablevision technician has been laid off.

The New York Times

The international airport has been laid waste.

The Economist

She has been laid off.

The New York Times

A fine vision has been laid out.

The New York Times

A challenge has been laid down.

The Guardian - Books

The welcome mat has been laid out.

The Guardian - Tech

Widgery's great lie has been laid bare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Around 10% of the workforce has been laid off.

The Economist

Win, lose or draw, the bet has been laid.

The New York Times - Science

Along the waterfront an attractive park has been laid out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In essence, the state's banking information has been laid bare".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been laid" to indicate that a foundation, plan, or object has been placed or prepared for future action. It's particularly effective when describing preparatory steps or groundwork.

Common error

Avoid confusing "lay" with "lie". "Lay" (past participle: laid) requires a direct object (something being laid), while "lie" (past participle: lain) does not. Incorrect: "He has been lain down." Correct: "He has been laid down carefully."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "has been laid" is to form the passive perfect construction of the verb "lay". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It signifies that an action of placing or preparing something has been completed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been laid" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the completion of an action involving placing or preparing something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. Common usage includes describing groundwork, plans, or foundations that have been established. It's important to avoid confusing "lay" with "lie", ensuring the correct verb form is used. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively incorporate "has been laid" into their writing to convey a sense of completion and readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been established

Focuses on the act of founding or setting up something, implying a more formal or permanent establishment.

has been set

Emphasizes the act of placing something in a specific position or state, often with a degree of intention or planning.

has been put in place

Focuses on the act of implementing something, suggesting a strategic or deliberate action.

has been prepared

Highlights the process of making something ready for use or action, suggesting prior effort and planning.

has been arranged

Indicates that something has been organized or put in order, often involving multiple elements or steps.

has been created

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence, emphasizing its novelty or originality.

has been built

Emphasizes the process of constructing something, suggesting a gradual and deliberate effort.

has been formed

Suggests the process of taking shape or coming into being, often through a natural or organic process.

has been instituted

Implies a more formal or official establishment, often involving rules or regulations.

has been positioned

Emphasizes the placement of something in a strategic location or context, often for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "has been laid" in a sentence?

The phrase "has been laid" is used to indicate that something has been placed or prepared. For example, "The foundation for the new building "has been laid"", meaning the groundwork is complete.

What are some alternatives to "has been laid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has been established", "has been prepared", or "has been set".

Which is correct, "has been laid" or "has been lain"?

"Has been laid" is correct when referring to the past participle of "to lay", which means to place something down. "Has been lain" is the past participle of "to lie", which means to recline or be in a horizontal position.

What's the difference between "has been laid" and "has been put"?

"Has been laid" often implies a careful or deliberate placement, particularly for foundations or plans. "Has been put" is a more general term for placing something and may not carry the same connotation of preparation or groundwork. For example: The cornerstone "has been laid". The blame "has been put" on celebrity chefs.