is to lay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to lay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are explaining a purpose or intention, often in a formal or instructional manner. Example: "The goal of this project is to lay a strong foundation for future research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, he added, what is important is to lay the foundations for reconciliation.

Cornell University

A point of this PLOS Pathogens op-ed is to lay the groundwork for this system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"All that's left for cities is to lay off employees that provide essential services".

The New York Times

But the main point is to lay the predicate for the bigger deals to come.

The New York Times

One way they react is to lay off part of their work forces.

The New York Times

* * * In a hive, the queen's single function is to lay lots of eggs.

The New Yorker

A more complex task is to lay the groundwork for a much simpler constitution.

The Economist

The idea is to lay out the magnitude of the challenge, Mr. Eastman said.

The New York Times

The last thing Haiti needs is to lay a political catastrophe atop the natural one.

The New York Times

"My job is to lay it out clearly, not to give my policy prescriptions".

The New York Times - Books

But the only way I have to do this is to lay off people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is to lay", ensure that the subject clearly indicates who or what is performing the action. For instance, "The purpose of this meeting is to lay the groundwork for future collaborations" is clearer than "Is to lay the groundwork...".

Common error

Avoid using "is to lay" in passive voice constructions where the actor is unclear. For example, instead of "The foundation is to lay by the team", use "The team is to lay the foundation" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "is to lay" is to serve as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It connects a subject with an action that is planned or intended. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is to lay" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that serves to express intention or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous real-world examples across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the subject performing the action and avoiding passive voice constructions. Consider alternatives like "aims to establish" or "intends to set up" for nuanced expression. Used correctly, "is to lay" effectively introduces the intended goal or objective of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aims to establish

Focuses on the establishment aspect of the purpose, slightly emphasizing the creation or setup of something.

intends to set up

Highlights the deliberate plan or intention behind the action, putting more emphasis on the planning stage.

seeks to create

Emphasizes the desire or effort to bring something new into existence.

plans to build

Specifically suggests a construction or development activity, implying a more hands-on approach.

strives to achieve

Implies a dedicated effort or struggle towards a specific goal, highlighting perseverance.

endeavors to construct

Formally conveys an attempt or effort to build or create something, often used in more sophisticated contexts.

aspires to form

Suggests a high level of ambition or a long-term goal, implying a desire to shape or mold something.

is designed to develop

Highlights the built-in purpose or intended functionality of something to foster development.

has the objective of initiating

Stresses the beginning or starting point of a project or process, focusing on getting it underway.

is geared toward preparing

Suggests readiness and anticipation for a future event or task, highlighting the preparatory nature.

FAQs

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

Use "is to lay" to introduce a purpose or intention. For example, "The goal of this project "is to lay" the foundation for future research".

What are some alternatives to using "is to lay"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "aims to establish", "intends to set up", or "seeks to create".

Is it grammatically correct to use "is to lay"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express purpose or intent. The phrase "is to lay" adheres to standard English grammar rules.

What's the difference between "is to lay" and "is to lie"?

"Is to lay" means to place or set something down, often as a foundation, while "is to lie" means to recline or be in a resting position. The former expresses an action while the latter indicates a state of being.