lay a case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay a case" is not correct in standard written English; the correct expression is "make a case." You can use "make a case" when you want to argue or present reasons in support of a particular idea or position.
Example: "In her presentation, she aimed to make a case for the importance of renewable energy sources."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Suspects in the case repeatedly mocked the years of inconclusive investigation; the pursuit of the case by Mr. Lawrence's parents, who were born in Jamaica; and the abortive private prosecution they brought against five members of the gang in 1994 when the police failed to lay a case of their own.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Inside his car and in plain sight lay a firearms case containing  a device with wire coming out of it, according to the affidavit.

Los Angeles Times

Jacoby does not lay out a case for this claim, and readers may protest that Rand and her kind aren't much more than outliers among atheists.

The New York Times - Books

It is one thing to lay out a case for why Mr. Obama has failed women during his presidency, but those arguments can easily be defeated by hyperbole.

The New York Times

The political scientist William Galston believes that President Obama should use his State of the Union address to lay out a case for the commission's plan.

The New York Times

Indeed, I am so worried, that as a former prime minister, I feel a responsibility to respectfully lay out a case for rejecting this idea of a plebiscite," she said.

The Guardian

At a time when Republicans are struggling to find new leaders — and to lay out a case against a popular president with big ambitions — Mr. Pawlenty's ruminations reflect the dimensions of his party's challenge.

The New York Times

This can be done in one of two ways: an entire pipa, in English pipe, of port containing 630 liters can be laid down at birth; or each year the father or godfather can lay down a case until the boy's twenty-first birthday when it can be opened.

Forbes

Says Namie: Keep your emotions in check, and lay out a case that details how the boss is costing the institution money.

Huffington Post

For those that are willing to take on the insurance companies and submit the necessary documents to lay out a case for recommended tests or procedures, this could be their only option.

Huffington Post

Richard Neal (D-Mass)., the chairman of the tax committee, has said he wants time "to lay out a case" for the move and that staffers drafting the request are doing it "methodically" and need time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "make a case" instead of "lay a case" to ensure grammatical correctness. Although "lay a case" appears frequently, "make a case" is considered the standard and more accepted form.

Common error

Avoid using "lay a case" as it's often considered incorrect. The correct and widely accepted phrase is "make a case". This ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay a case" is used as a verb phrase, attempting to describe the action of presenting an argument or justification. While the examples in Ludwig show it in use, it's important to note that it's not considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay a case" is used with the intention of presenting an argument or justification. However, Ludwig AI points out that it is not grammatically correct. Therefore, it is more appropriate to use the phrase "make a case" instead. Although the phrase appears in news and media contexts, it is advisable to avoid it in formal or professional writing to maintain grammatical correctness and credibility. Alternative phrases include "present an argument" or "build an argument", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a case

Uses "make" instead of "lay", which is the grammatically standard form.

build an argument

Emphasizes constructing an argument step by step.

present an argument

Replaces "lay" with "present" to emphasize the act of showcasing an argument.

present a justification

Highlights the act of providing reasons to support a belief.

advance a thesis

Focuses on proposing a central idea or argument.

offer evidence

Highlights the provision of supporting information.

formulate a position

Emphasizes the creation of a well-defined stance.

develop a rationale

Centers on building a logical basis for a viewpoint.

set forth a proposition

Focuses on formally introducing an idea.

submit a plea

Implies a formal request or persuasive argument.

FAQs

What is the correct phrase, "lay a case" or "make a case"?

The correct phrase is "make a case". While "lay a case" is sometimes used, it is not considered grammatically standard.

When should I use "make a case" instead of "lay a case"?

You should always use "make a case". It's the grammatically correct and widely accepted form for presenting an argument or justification.

What are some alternatives to "lay a case"?

Alternatives include "present an argument", "build an argument", or "offer evidence", depending on the specific context.

Is "lay a case" ever acceptable in writing?

While occasionally encountered, especially in informal contexts, it's generally best to avoid "lay a case" in formal writing. Opt for "make a case" to maintain grammatical correctness.