it was laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was laid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been placed down or set in a specific position, often in a passive construction. Example: "The foundation was laid last summer, and construction is set to begin next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to a monk named Stephen, "it was laid waste, and its inhabitants carried off into captivity".

Wikipedia

It was originally established (1819) as Smithton, but an inadequate water supply forced its move in 1821, when it was laid out and renamed Columbia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The corpse was poorly preserved, it was laid out on its back with the skull towards the north.

Wikipedia

"It was laid out.

The New York Times

"It was laid out in 1626".

The New Yorker

It was laid back and educated and artsy".

The New York Times

It was laid to rest right after the March collections".

The New York Times

"It's about time it was laid to rest".

The Guardian

It was laid out very close to the port, which makes a lot of sense.

Yale University

But the chicks were dying the day after it was laid.

Cornell University

It was laid out in 1878 and was renamed (1893) for the Klamath.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was laid" when describing the placement of something physical, like a foundation or a floor. For abstract concepts, consider more specific verbs like 'established', 'outlined', or 'revealed'.

Common error

Avoid using "it was laid" when a more precise verb would improve clarity. For example, instead of saying, "The problem was laid bare," consider "The problem was exposed" or "The problem was revealed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was laid" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was placed or established by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage. Examples include describing the construction of cities, the laying of foundations, or the establishment of rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was laid" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the act of placing or establishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently across diverse sources, notably in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, context dictates the specific nuance, ranging from describing physical placement (like foundations) to abstract establishment (like rules). It's vital to ensure precision; while "it was laid" serves well for concrete placements, more specific verbs often enhance clarity in abstract scenarios. Alternatives such as "it was placed" or "it was established" can provide nuanced meaning depending on context, making careful word choice essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was placed

Replaces "laid" with a more general term for putting something down.

it was set

Similar to 'placed' but implies a more deliberate arrangement.

it was positioned

Suggests a careful or strategic placement.

it was constructed

Focuses on the act of building or assembling something.

it was established

Implies the founding or creation of something.

it was situated

Emphasizes the location or setting of something.

it was arranged

Highlights the organization or order of items.

it was built

Focuses on the creation of a structure.

it was prepared

Indicates something was made ready or put in place.

it was deposited

Suggests a natural or geological process of placement.

FAQs

How can I use "it was laid" in a sentence?

Use "it was laid" to describe something being physically placed or set down. For example, "The cornerstone "it was laid" in 1858."

What can I say instead of "it was laid"?

You can use alternatives like "it was placed", "it was set", or "it was constructed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was laid" or "it was lain"?

"It was laid" is correct when describing the action of placing something down. "Lain" is the past participle of 'lie' (to recline) and isn't appropriate here.

What is the difference between "it was laid" and "it was set out"?

"It was laid" generally refers to placing something down, while "it was set out" implies a more deliberate arrangement or presentation, such as a plan or a display.