lay idle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay idle" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is not being used or is inactive. Example sentence: The abandoned factory lay idle for years, until it was converted into a museum.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

For years, the idea of indistinguishability obfuscation lay idle.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Even in the busy Los Angeles television market, a third of the spectrum for analogue broadcasting lay idle.

The Economist

Water pooled at the bottom of the mine while it lay idle after being shut down a decade ago.

MIT Technology Review

So he switched to raspberries, in part to benefit growers whose greenhouses -- and profits -- lay idle in the winter months.

The New York Times - Science

For 20 years, Palazzo Poli, the imposing 18th-century palace to which the Trevi fountain is attached, lay idle.

The New York Times - Travel

As it turned out, the drought ended in 2009 before the plant was completed in 2012, and it lay idle for the next five years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Power plants lie idle.

The Economist

It is lying idle".

The Guardian

Don't lie idle.

The Guardian

Swathes of production capacity lie idle.

The Economist

(There were three separate camera crews, often lying idle).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period of inactivity or non-use, "lay idle" effectively conveys that something is not performing its intended function. Use it to emphasize the potential that is currently untapped.

Common error

A common mistake is using "lie" instead of "lay" when describing something becoming idle. "Lay" requires a direct object (e.g., "lay the book down"), while "lie" indicates a state of reclining or being in a particular position. In the context of "idle", "lay" is the correct choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay idle" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a state of inactivity or non-use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay idle" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that indicates a state of inactivity or non-use. As Ludwig AI explains, it's crucial to use "lay" correctly, avoiding confusion with "lie". The phrase is versatile, suitable for various contexts from news reporting to academic writing. While it's considered a common phrase, consider the related phrases for more appropriate word choice. Remember that "lay idle" is often used to emphasize the potential that is currently untapped.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unused

Focuses on the state of not being utilized, often implying a potential for future use.

be inactive

Indicates a state of not being active or operational, emphasizing a pause in function.

stand dormant

Suggests a temporary state of inactivity, implying a potential for future awakening or activation.

go to waste

Highlights the negative aspect of not using something, implying a loss of potential value.

sit unused

Emphasizes the physical presence of something not being used, creating a visual image of inactivity.

be mothballed

Implies a deliberate act of placing something in storage for potential future use, often associated with military equipment or industrial facilities.

become defunct

Indicates that something has ceased to exist or function, often implying a permanent state of inactivity.

fall into disuse

Describes a gradual process of something becoming unused due to neglect or obsolescence.

cease operation

Focuses on the termination of activity or function, often used in a formal or business context.

be out of service

Indicates a temporary or permanent state of not being available for use, often applied to equipment or facilities.

FAQs

How to use "lay idle" in a sentence?

Use "lay idle" to describe something that is not currently in use or operation. For example, "The factory "lay idle" during the recession".

What can I say instead of "lay idle"?

You can use alternatives like "remain unused", "be inactive", or "stand dormant" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lay idle" or "lie idle"?

"Lay idle" is the correct phrase to use when describing something that is not being used. "Lie idle" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "lay idle" and "become defunct"?

"Lay idle" implies a temporary state of inactivity, while "become defunct" suggests a permanent end to operation or existence.