lay down

USAGE SUMMARY

"lay down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone lies down or sets something down. For example, "John laid down his book on the floor and took a nap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Natasha lay down again.

The New Yorker

Alexei lay down below.

The New Yorker

"So I lay down".

The New Yorker

Mamma lay down in bed.

The New Yorker

Just lay down shit".

Huffington Post

"When I lay down..

Huffington Post

If tired lay down.

WikiHow

Don't lay down too long.

WikiHow

He lay down.

The New Yorker

"Just lay down.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He lay down," she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lay down" to mean 'establish', ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to rules, laws, or policies. For example: "The company needs to lay down clear guidelines for remote work."

Common error

A common mistake is using "lay" (to place something down) when you mean "lie" (to recline). Remember, "lay" requires a direct object (e.g., "Lay the book on the table"), while "lie" does not (e.g., "I'm going to lie down"). If you are the one reclining, the phrase is "lie down".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lay down" is as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "lay" with the particle "down". This construction creates different meanings, including physically placing something, establishing rules, or surrendering. Ludwig AI highlights these varied usages with relevant examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

43%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lay down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb with several distinct meanings, ranging from physical placement to establishing rules or surrendering something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, though care should be taken to avoid confusion with "lie down". Its frequency and versatile usage across different contexts – particularly in news, media, and wikis – underscore its importance in everyday English. The key is to ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning, whether it's "lay down your weapons" or "lay down the law".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lie down

Emphasizes the action of reclining or assuming a horizontal position, similar to "lay down" in its reflexive sense.

recline

Focuses on resting in a comfortable or relaxed position.

rest

Highlights the act of ceasing activity for relaxation or recovery, encompassing but not limited to lying down.

set down

Indicates placing something, often with care, and parallels the transitive sense of "lay down".

put down

Similar to "set down", but can also suggest a more forceful action of placing something.

establish

Equivalent to "lay down" when referring to the creation of rules or policies.

stipulate

Similar to establish but indicates making something a necessary condition or requirement.

surrender

Expresses giving up something, similar to "lay down" in the context of weapons or arms.

sacrifice

Implies giving up something valuable, aligning with the sense of "lay down one's life".

institute

Alternative to 'lay down' in the context of enacting rules or policies, but formal.

FAQs

How do I use "lay down" in a sentence?

The phrase "lay down" can be used in different ways. It can mean to physically place something down, as in "Lay down your burdens". It can also mean to establish or enact something, like "lay down the law". Finally, it can refer to sacrificing something, as in "lay down one's life".

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

"Lay down" is a transitive verb phrase, meaning it requires a direct object. For example, "Lay down your weapons." "Lie down" is intransitive and means to recline or rest. For example, "I'm going to lie down because I'm tired".

When can I use "set down" instead of "lay down"?

You can often use "set down" in place of "lay down" when you mean to place something carefully. For example, you can "lay down your bag" or "set down" your bag. However, "lay down" has other meanings that "set down" does not cover, such as establishing rules or surrendering.

What are some alternatives to "lay down the law"?

Instead of "lay down the law", you could use phrases like "establish rules", "set guidelines", or "enforce discipline". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.