lay at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “lay at” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about someone or something being at fault for something else. For example, “The blame for the failed project lay at his feet.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything lay at his feet.

The New Yorker

No good lay at its end.

The New Yorker

Their concerns lay at home.

The New York Times

His Kalashnikov lay at his feet.

The New York Times

Golden roses lay at her feet.

The New Yorker

But the action lay at the back of the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

The evidence lay at the bottom of the Atlantic.

The Economist

I lay at the edge of a well,.

The New Yorker

One player lay at midcourt, blood pouring off his face.

The New York Times - Sports

New York City lay at the core of the crisis.

The New York Times

But something else lay at the heart of his decision.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lay at" to indicate where responsibility, blame, or a significant factor is located. For instance, "The solution lay at the intersection of technology and policy."

Common error

Avoid confusing "lay" (to place something down) with "lie" (to recline or be in a horizontal position). "Lay" requires an object; "lie" does not. Example: "The book lay on the table" (correct) versus "I lie down to rest" (correct).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay at" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often indicating location, position, or the foundation of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay at" is a versatile verb phrase that indicates location, responsibility, or foundation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. It's important to distinguish "lay at" from similar-sounding phrases and to avoid confusing "lay" with "lie". While the phrase is most common in neutral registers, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its adaptable nature makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. When using "lay at", be sure to consider the intended meaning and context to ensure clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was situated at

Focuses on the physical location or placement of something.

was located at

Highlights the presence of something at a specific point or area.

was at the heart of

Shifts the focus to the central or core aspect of something.

centered on

Focuses on the main subject or topic.

rested at

Emphasizes the state of being at rest in a particular location.

resided in

Suggests a more permanent or inherent presence.

was attributable to

Indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

originated from

Emphasizes the source or beginning of something.

belonged to

Emphasizes ownership or association with something.

depended on

Highlights reliance or contingency on something.

FAQs

How to use "lay at" in a sentence?

You can use "lay at" to indicate the location of something, the root of a problem, or where responsibility rests. For instance, "The key to success "lay at" perseverance and hard work."

What can I say instead of "lay at"?

Alternatives include "was situated at", "was located at", or "rested at", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Which is correct, "lay at" or "laid at"?

"Lay at" is the present tense form, while "laid at" is the past tense. Use "lay at" for present or general statements and "laid at" for past actions. For example: "The foundation of their success "lay at" strategic planning," vs. "The cornerstone was "laid at" the beginning of the construction."

What's the difference between "lay at" and "lie at"?

"Lay at" (past tense of "lie") can be confusing because "lay" is also a verb meaning to place something down. "Lie at" is not typically used. Instead, use ""lay at"" to mean something is situated or exists at a particular place or is the foundation of something.