it lays down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lays down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that establishes, sets forth, or puts down a rule, principle, or foundation. Example: "The new policy lays down clear guidelines for employee conduct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Hamas spokesmen in Gaza said the Islamist group had not received an official ceasefire proposal, and its demands must be met before it lays down arms.

The Guardian

In addition, it lays down rules with regard to night work and shift work.

Columbia University

The Party no longer issues directives; it lays down principles upon which Government should act.

The Guardian

But when it lays down like it did for most of the morning, you are going to see good scores.

The New York Times - Sports

It lays down a rule as to the subject, and has no reference to the tribunals by which it is to be applied.

Cornell University

He said he thought the United States should be careful about the conditions it lays down; he also had no problem with contraception, he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The power of the film is that it lays down layer upon layer of seemingly rational analysis to end up with a conclusion many would find incredible.

The Guardian

It lays down clear obligations on those who collect, store and process personal data, with penalties for those who do so against the wishes of the individual concerned or decline to provide the data on request.

The Economist

The reform's chief aim is to force welfare recipients into jobs: it lays down that 40% of welfare recipients must be in work by 2000, and that the proportion must rise thereafter.

The Economist

Written between 1792BC and 1750BC, it lays down a detailed legal framework, some of which remains familiar: "If a man destroys the eye of another man, they shall destroy his eye".

The Economist

Mouffe found this restriction unacceptable because it lays down, as an ethical principle that precedes politics, a restriction on conceptions of the good, which ought to be decided within politics.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it lays down" when you want to emphasize the act of establishing a rule, principle, or guideline. For example, when describing a new policy or regulation.

Common error

Avoid using "it lays down" when referring to physical placement or literal layering. This phrase is best suited for abstract concepts like rules and guidelines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lays down" functions as a verb phrase that introduces or establishes a set of rules, principles, or conditions. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a grammatically sound construction for expressing the formal establishment of guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lays down" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that means to establish or set forth rules, principles, or conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various formal and neutral writing contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While versatile, it should be used judiciously and replaced by simpler or more direct alternatives in informal settings. When aiming to convey the act of establishing or prescribing rules, this phrase is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it establishes

This alternative focuses on the action of setting something up or creating a foundation.

it sets out

This alternative emphasizes the clear presentation or arrangement of something.

it stipulates

This alternative implies a specific requirement or condition.

it prescribes

This alternative highlights the act of dictating or mandating something.

it defines

This alternative centers on the act of clarifying the meaning or scope of something.

it formulates

This alternative suggests the careful creation or development of something.

it enacts

This alternative refers to the process of putting something into law or action.

it institutes

This alternative highlights the introduction or establishment of a system or practice.

it decrees

This alternative implies an authoritative order or decision.

it ordains

This alternative suggests a formal or official establishment, often with a sense of authority.

FAQs

How can I use "it lays down" in a sentence?

Use "it lays down" to describe the act of establishing rules, principles, or guidelines. For example: "The document "it lays down" the procedures for handling customer complaints".

What are some alternatives to "it lays down"?

You can use alternatives such as "it establishes", "it sets out", or "it stipulates" depending on the context.

Is "it lays down" formal or informal?

"It lays down" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. However, ensure the surrounding language aligns with the intended formality.

When is it inappropriate to use "it lays down"?

Avoid using "it lays down" when referring to physical placement or literal layering. It's best suited for abstract concepts such as rules or foundations. For physical actions, use phrases like "it puts down" or "it deposits".