laid before him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laid before him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been presented or submitted for someone's consideration or judgment. Example: "The evidence was laid before him during the trial, allowing the jury to make an informed decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sources say he "stonewalled" and "listened" to the charges laid before him at a disciplinary hearing.

The Guardian

As he was about to finish it, the counter lady laid before him a pink powderpuff wrapped in cellophane.

The New Yorker

"Paul took the challenging, defiant material John laid before him and found ways…to make it work in the vernacular of popular music," he writes.

The Economist

And now, at the country club where Branca has lived since 1977, I laid before him the records that Miller and the group had found.

The New York Times - Sports

An exemplarily weak monarch, Vladislas was nicknamed Dobzse (meaning "very well," or "all right") after his habit of signing with that word every document laid before him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The little scholar thought that the yellow book the German laid before him was a grammar a mistake which a wider knowledge of modern languages and literature would have prevented.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But again the foundations were laid before 1993.

The Economist

I read it as a sudden realization of empathy for fans of teams everywhere whose fate he suddenly saw laying before him.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cook learned from Bircher the things to which he testified, because he occupied the position of public prosecuting officer, and because he was acting at the time as the legal adviser of Bircher in respect to the matter and question which Bircher was laying before him.

Cornell University

Backing up, we must ask what it is that went so wretchedly wrong that the crowds who joyously welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, laying before him branches and their cloaks, would several days later cry out, "crucify Him". Why do we call that day "Good" Friday?

Los Angeles Times

Others could do that as well as he when the facts were laid before them.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of the surrounding writing when using "laid before him". While the phrase isn't exclusively formal, it's best suited for use in contexts where more neutral or formal language is already used.

Common error

Avoid using "laid before him" in casual conversations or informal writing. Alternatives like "shown to him" or "presented to him" might be more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laid before him" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has been presented to a person for their consideration or action. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from legal proceedings to personal decisions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Science

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "laid before him" signifies the act of formally presenting something for a person's consideration, decision, or action. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. It finds common usage in news and media, academia, and encyclopedic content, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "presented to him" or "submitted to him", each carries a slightly different nuance. To prevent potential errors, remember that "laid before him" is best suited for formal and serious contexts. Therefore, it's best to avoid in colloquial conversations. In general "laid before him" is a great alternative when you want to sound formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented to him

Focuses on the act of showing or offering something.

submitted to him

Emphasizes the act of formally giving something for consideration.

placed before him

Highlights the physical act of positioning something in front of him.

brought to his attention

Indicates something being made known or noticeable to him.

given to him for consideration

Specifies the purpose of giving something – for his thought and judgment.

shown to him

Focuses on the act of displaying or revealing something.

referred to him

Highlights the act of directing something to him for a specific action or decision.

tabled before him

Indicates a formal presentation, often in a meeting setting.

put forward to him

Emphasizes the act of proposing or suggesting something.

offered for his perusal

Highlights the act of offering something for his detailed examination.

FAQs

What does "laid before him" mean?

The phrase "laid before him" means something has been presented or submitted to someone for their consideration, review, or decision. It suggests a formal or deliberate act of presentation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "laid before him"?

It's appropriate to use "laid before him" in formal or serious contexts where information, evidence, or options are being presented for someone's judgment or action. This is often seen in legal, political, or business settings.

What can I say instead of "laid before him"?

You can use alternatives like "presented to him", "submitted to him", or "placed before him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "laid before him" different from "laid out before him"?

Yes, while both phrases involve presentation, "laid before him" usually refers to information or options presented for a decision. "Laid out before him" implies a more detailed and visually comprehensive presentation, like a plan or a landscape being "laid out before him".