lain bare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lain bare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been exposed or revealed so that it can be seen or understood. For example: "The truth was finally lain bare, and the murderer was brought to justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These figures lay bare the extreme pressure across the system".

The Guardian

Good intentions sometimes lay bare a kind of chummy condescension.

The New Yorker

The postings lay bare the elaborate pathos of teenagedom today.

The New York Times

For a few days the grass lay bare again.

The New York Times

Let me lay bare the lie that suggests that the HRA is a "criminals' charter".

The Guardian - Opinion

In his fiction, Maugham often sought to lay bare the hypocrisies of his characters.

The New York Times - Books

He described his purpose as to lay bare "the economic law of motion of modern society".

Encyclopedia Britannica

For an organization that extols trustworthiness, these files lay bare an appalling dissonance.

The New York Times

It will lay bare our personalities and make known our character, or lack thereof.

The New York Times

As with Beckett, our responses to these poems lay bare the unfinished legacy of modernism.

The Guardian - Books

You're supposed to lay bare your thoughts on behalf of us girls".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lain bare" when you want to emphasize the act of revealing something that was previously hidden or not easily understood. It often carries a sense of unveiling or exposure.

Common error

A common mistake is confusing "lay" (to place something down) with "lie" (to recline or be in a certain state). "Lain bare" is the past participle of "lie", so ensure you're using it to describe a state of being revealed, not an action of placing something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lain bare" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a passive construction. It describes a state where something has been revealed or exposed. Ludwig shows examples from various contexts, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

12%

Books

8%

Less common in

Sport

2%

Opinion

5%

Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lain bare" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the revelation or exposure of something previously hidden. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and showcases its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it brings a touch of emphasis to the act of revealing. Remember to differentiate between "lay" and "lie" to avoid common grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laid open

Shares a similar structure and meaning, emphasizing exposure.

revealed

Focuses on the act of making something known that was previously hidden.

brought to light

Implies that something was previously unknown or obscure and is now being made clear.

exposed

Emphasizes the vulnerability of what is being revealed, often suggesting a negative consequence.

made evident

Focuses on the clarity and obviousness of the revealed information.

uncovered

Highlights the act of discovering something hidden or concealed.

unveiled

Suggests a formal or ceremonial act of revealing something.

disclosed

Highlights the act of making information public, often in a legal or official context.

made manifest

Emphasizes the undeniable and clear presence of something previously unseen.

divulged

Suggests the revealing of confidential or secret information.

FAQs

How can I use "lain bare" in a sentence?

You can use "lain bare" to describe something that has been revealed or exposed. For example, "The truth was finally lain bare after years of investigation."

What's a good alternative to "lain bare"?

Alternatives include "revealed", "exposed", or "brought to light" depending on the context.

Is "lain bare" formal or informal?

"Lain bare" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in written or slightly more elevated language.

What does it mean when something is "lain bare"?

It means that something has been revealed or exposed, often unexpectedly or after being hidden for some time. The phrase suggests that the thing revealed is now open to view or understanding.