lay him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay him" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to placing someone down in a lying position, often in a more poetic or metaphorical sense. Example: "After the long journey, she decided to lay him down on the soft grass to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm going to lay him down softly".

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's in God's hands now, and we want to lay him to rest".

The New York Times

"I was thinking about how I lay him on the floor, with me doing CPR.

Independent

Gigantic and otherwise nasty defensive linemen would pick him up and lay him down like a newborn.

The New York Times

He didn't pee, poop, burp, spit up, or wake up shrieking like a siren the moment you lay him down.

The New York Times

Two vendors lay him on the melon stand belly down, and remove his shirt and pants.

The New Yorker

Stripping him naked they will lay him out, wash his body, and then wrap him in a shroud.

The Guardian

Irving had suffered a fractured left patella which would require surgery that would lay him out for 3-4 months.

The Guardian - Sport

He said 'Absolutely not – you can stitch me up now.' So we lay him on the table in his studio.

The Guardian - Arts

A fatal car crash looks set to lay him low, but he'll stop at nothing to dodge his comeuppance.

The Guardian - Film

He looks, I think, like Beckham will when we eventually embalm him and lay him in state.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lay him" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to physically placing someone down, not using it in a figurative or idiomatic sense where alternatives might be more appropriate.

Common error

A common mistake is confusing "lay" (to place something down) with "lie" (to recline). Ensure you use "lay" when you are actively placing someone or something down. For example, it's correct to say "lay him down" but incorrect to say "he will lay down" when you mean "he will lie down".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lay him" is a transitive verb phrase where "lay" is the verb and "him" is the direct object. This phrase typically denotes the action of placing someone or something in a horizontal position. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay him" is grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily within news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It typically refers to the action of placing a person down, though it can also take on figurative meanings. When using "lay him", it's important to be mindful of the difference between "lay" and "lie", and to choose the appropriate alternative if necessary. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ the phrase, further validating its widespread acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put him down

Focuses on the action of placing someone down, similar to "lay him" but more direct.

set him down

Similar to "put him down", emphasizing the action of placing someone.

place him down

A more formal version of "put him down" or "set him down".

settle him

Implies making someone comfortable, often before sleep.

recline him

Suggests placing someone in a reclining position.

depose him

Signifies removing someone from a position of power.

incapacitate him

Means to disable or make someone unable to function.

defeat him

Suggests winning against someone in a competition or battle.

oust him

Means to remove or expel someone from a position or place.

subdue him

Implies bringing someone under control, often through force.

FAQs

What does "lay him" mean?

"Lay him" generally means to place a person down in a horizontal position. It can also be used figuratively to mean to defeat or incapacitate someone, depending on the context.

How do I properly use "lay him" in a sentence?

Use "lay him" when you are actively placing someone or something down. For example: "The soldiers gently pull him from his sleeping bag, carry him to the row of his dead friends, and lay him down."

Which is correct, "lay him down" or "lie him down"?

"Lay him down" is correct. "Lay" is a transitive verb that requires a direct object (in this case, "him"). "Lie" is an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object.

What are some alternatives to "lay him down"?

You can use alternatives like "put him down", "set him down", or "place him down" depending on the context.