laid open

USAGE SUMMARY

"laid open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that was exposed or revealed. Example: The investigation laid open the corporation's secret deals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With accounts laid open, local media might put pressure on kleptocrats.

The Economist

Fordyce's "Sermons," she tells Lucy, should be laid open on the table.

The New Yorker

The Zippo moment, which once summoned male power, now laid open male anxiety.

The New York Times - Arts

She felt herself laid open in the bleaching light of his attention.

The Guardian - Books

Our family life has been scrutinised and laid open for everyone to inspect and comment upon.

The Guardian

"We would have every path laid open to woman as freely as to man".

The New Yorker

Recording laid open the world of classical music to millions of people, bringing its wonders to their homes.

The Economist

cram Ovid behind the bolster". Fordyce's "Sermons," she tells Lucy, should be laid open on the table.

The New Yorker

In poker, it's the "showdown," when all hands are laid open for all players to determine the winner.

The New York Times - Magazine

Late in life the couple saw their home life laid open publicly in a way that was unsettling.

The New York Times

Last night, The Thick of It took its bow after four magnificent seasons of satire that laid open the conniving art of British politics.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "laid open", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being revealed or exposed, whether it's information, a physical space, or a vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "laid open" when the sentence requires an active voice construction. For instance, instead of "The company was laid open by the investigation", consider "The investigation laid the company open" or "The investigation exposed the company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laid open" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice to describe the state of something being revealed or exposed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it highlights the uncovering of hidden information, vulnerabilities, or physical spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laid open" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote the act of revealing or exposing something, whether it be secrets, physical spaces, or vulnerabilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase finds its prominence in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "exposed" or "revealed" exist, "laid open" often carries a nuance of thoroughness or drama. It's important to ensure that the context warrants this sense of complete revelation and to avoid its use in situations requiring active voice constructions. This phrase is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exposed

Focuses on the act of uncovering or revealing something that was previously hidden.

revealed

Emphasizes the disclosure of information or something previously unknown.

uncovered

Similar to exposed, but often implies a more deliberate act of discovery.

disclosed

Highlights the act of making information public, often officially.

made accessible

Focuses on the aspect of something being easily available or understandable.

brought to light

Implies that something was previously obscure and is now publicly known.

unveiled

Suggests a formal or ceremonial revealing of something.

presented

Emphasizes the act of showing or displaying something.

shown

A more general term for displaying or revealing something.

open to view

Highlights the visibility and accessibility of something.

FAQs

How can I use "laid open" in a sentence?

"Laid open" is typically used to describe something that has been revealed or exposed. For example, "The investigation "laid open" the company's financial secrets" or "The bomb "laid open" the building's interior".

What can I say instead of "laid open"?

You can use alternatives like "exposed", "revealed", or "uncovered" depending on the context.

Is "laid open" formal or informal?

"Laid open" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in formal writing, particularly when describing investigations, revelations, or vulnerabilities.

What's the difference between "laid open" and "exposed"?

While both terms suggest revelation, "laid open" often implies a more thorough or dramatic exposure. "Exposed" is a more general term, while "laid open" can suggest a forceful or complete unveiling.