laid a cable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laid a cable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to telecommunications or construction, referring to the act of installing or placing a cable. Example: "The workers laid a cable across the field to connect the new building to the main network."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Finally, two years ago, SEACOM laid a cable along the East African coast to Mumbai; then tributaries were run thousands of kilometers inland, as far as Uganda and even Rwanda; and later this year, a direct connection to Europe will be lit up.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or "laying a cable"?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Part IV tells about her 3rd transatlantic cable-laying venture & her laying a cable between England & Bombay.

The New Yorker

Whichever company lays a cable first could gain a big advantage over the other in supplying the city's growing thirst for power.

The New York Times

They are laying a cable that KVH promises will provide better quality, higher speed and cheaper service than anything Japan has ever seen.

The New York Times

Also staying at the guesthouse, during the week, are three men from New Brunswick telephone-Lawrence, Eugene, and Vincent, who are laying a cable to one of the smaller islands.

The New Yorker

The minelayer Ord laid a pilot cable composed of 2,000 feet of leaded and armored cable, 2,000 feet of leaded cable, and 83,000 feet of standard rubber-insulated cable.

Wikipedia

In 1988 it laid a 500-mile elecableacrossle across the state, adding in a fiber-optic line for AT&T for a fee.

Forbes

In 1883, he co-founded a company that laid a submarine telegraph cable linking the United States to Europe, in competition with Jay Gould's Western Union.

The New York Times

Thomson's involvement in a controversy over the feasibility of laying a transatlantic cable changed the course of his professional work.

Britannica

The self-governing Danish territory is laying a 3,000-mile 3,000-mile will link to the global network via cablea and Iceland.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "laid a cable", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical installation (e.g., telecommunications) or a more figurative sense.

Common error

Be precise with your wording to avoid confusion. The phrase "laid a cable" can sometimes be misinterpreted depending on the audience. In some contexts, it is used as an informal term. Make sure you use "installed a cable" when formality is expected.

Linguistic Context

Descriptive. The phrase "laid a cable" functions as a descriptive phrase, detailing the action of installing or positioning a cable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct, describing physical placement. For instance, "SEACOM laid a cable along the East African coast."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laid a cable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the installation of a cable. As shown by Ludwig, while correct, its usage is relatively infrequent and can vary depending on the context. Predominantly found in news and technical contexts, it carries a neutral tone. For enhanced clarity or formality, alternatives such as "installed a cable" may be more suitable. Understanding these nuances helps in effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

installed a cable

Replaces "laid" with "installed", emphasizing the act of setting up the cable.

ran a cable

Uses "ran" instead of "laid", focusing on the extension of the cable's path.

placed a cable

Substitutes "laid" with "placed", a more general term for positioning the cable.

deployed a cable

Replaces "laid" with "deployed", suggesting a strategic or planned installation.

strung a cable

Uses "strung" to indicate the cable was suspended or stretched out.

put down a cable

Replaces "laid" with "put down", a more informal way of saying the cable was placed.

extended a cable

Focuses on the action of lengthening the cable's reach.

affixed a cable

Suggests the cable was firmly attached or secured in place.

laid out a cable

Adds "out" to "laid", emphasizing the careful arrangement of the cable.

routed a cable

Focuses on guiding the cable along a specific path or route.

FAQs

What does "laid a cable" mean?

The phrase "laid a cable" generally refers to the physical act of installing or placing a cable, often for telecommunications or electrical purposes. It implies setting the cable in its intended location, whether underground, underwater, or overhead.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "laid a cable"?

It's appropriate to use "laid a cable" when describing the process of installing or setting up a cable connection. For more formal contexts, consider using "installed a cable".

What are some alternative ways to say "laid a cable"?

You can use alternatives like "installed a cable", "ran a cable", or "placed a cable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "laid a cable" formal or informal language?

"Laid a cable" is generally considered neutral language. However, for highly formal or technical writing, using "installed a cable" might be more appropriate.