laid side by side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laid side by side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two objects or ideas that have been placed next to each other. For example, "We laid the chairs side by side to ensure everyone had a seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Afterwards, the two bodies were laid side by side, doused with petrol and burnt.

Independent

Cover pan tightly with 2 sheets of aluminum foil laid side by side, if necessary.

The New York Times - Food

Hyper holidays Imagine, if you can bear it, 1,100 beach towels laid side by side.

The Guardian - Travel

"I had the documents laid side by side in front of them," Sussman says.

The New Yorker

The stones marking these are, we are duly informed, of different sizes and not laid side by side.

The New York Times

Individual characters, drawn together by historical imperatives, change each other, like tints laid side by side in a watercolour.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Typically, preimpregnated fibres or tapes are laid side-by-side onto a tooling surface to generate the composite preform.

Composite Structures

The literary specimens under consideration at the demonstration, conducted by David Vander Meulen, were two presumably identical 1922 first editions of Sinclair Lewis's "Babbitt," laid side-by-side and each opened to Page 121.

The New York Times

Yes, laid side-by-side there's no way to tell the AirPods 2 apart from their predecessor.

Forbes

The whole world is revealed when the boards are laid side-by-side.

Vice

When the line was converted to in 1894, the tunnel and McMillan Street underpass were not wide enough for a double-track line, yet two standard gauge tracks were laid side-by-side.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laid side by side" when you want to emphasize the arrangement of items or concepts in close proximity for comparison or contrast. It suggests a deliberate placement.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "laid" (past tense of 'lay', to place something down) with "lying" (present participle of 'lie', to recline). "Laying side by side" is incorrect; the correct phrase is "laid side by side".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laid side by side" functions as a descriptive element, often acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It typically describes the arrangement or positioning of multiple items for comparison, display, or another specific purpose, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "laid side by side" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the arrangement of items in close proximity, often for the purpose of comparison or contrast. Ludwig AI indicates that it is acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, academia, and encyclopedias, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When using this phrase, remember to use "laid" and not "lying", keeping in mind the difference between laying something down versus reclining. Consider alternatives like "placed adjacently" or "put next to each other" based on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set side by side

Slightly more concise, omitting 'laid'.

put next to each other

This is a more casual and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

placed adjacently

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes physical placement.

positioned alongside

Similar to 'placed adjacently', but with a slightly more active connotation.

set in parallel

Emphasizes a comparative or simultaneous relationship.

lined up

Focuses on a linear arrangement.

displayed together

Emphasizes the act of showing or exhibiting.

arranged in juxtaposition

This option is highly formal and often used in academic or analytical contexts.

presented comparatively

Highlights the act of comparing or contrasting.

compared and contrasted

Explicitly indicates a comparison is being made.

FAQs

How can I use "laid side by side" in a sentence?

The phrase "laid side by side" describes items or ideas positioned next to each other. For example, "The detective laid the two pieces of evidence "side by side" on the table for comparison."

What's the difference between "laid side by side" and "side by side"?

"Laid side by side" implies a deliberate action of placing objects or ideas next to each other. "Side by side" is a more general term indicating proximity without necessarily implying an action.

Which is correct, "laid side by side" or "lay side by side"?

"Laid side by side" is correct. "Lay side by side" uses the base form of the verb 'lay', which isn't appropriate in this context. The past tense 'laid' is needed to indicate the act of placing something.

What can I say instead of "laid side by side"?

You can use alternatives like "placed adjacently", "positioned alongside", or "put next to each other" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.