lay in store

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay in store" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used in the present tense to mean "to keep or reserve something for future use". For example: We have been saving our resources for months, so we are sure to have enough to lay in store for the coming winter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What more lay in store?

The New York Times - Sports

A final surprise lay in store.

The Guardian - Travel

Mikhail knew what lay in store for him.

Independent

What lay in store for us looked pretty bleak.

The Guardian

The same fate lay in store for Abkhazia.

The New York Times

We had no idea what lay in store.

The New Yorker

Still more trouble lay in store for Mumbai's working-class world.

The New York Times

What lay in store for them but that their eyes would empty, their skin turn blue?

The New Yorker

I remember having butterflies in my stomach beforehand, worried and nervous of what lay in store.

The Guardian - Money

"At the time," he said, "Amy had no idea what lay in store for her".

The New York Times

Little did I know what else lay in store for our phone system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "lay in store", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what will experience the forthcoming events. This clarity enhances the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid confusing the past tense of "lie" (lay) with the present tense of "lay" (to place). "Lay in store" describes something the future holds, not an action of placing something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay in store" functions as an idiomatic expression, commonly used to describe what the future holds or what is destined to happen. It adds a sense of anticipation or foreboding, suggesting that significant events or experiences are coming.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay in store" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe what the future holds. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it effectively creates a sense of anticipation or foreboding, especially in journalistic and literary contexts. While versatile, be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey, as alternatives like ""lie ahead"" or "be on the horizon" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to avoid tense confusion and ensure a clear subject to maximize its effectiveness. The phrase's frequent use in reputable sources like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian" affirms its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lie ahead

Emphasizes the forward direction and positioning of future events.

await

Focuses on expectation of something happening.

be on the horizon

Implies that something is coming into view or becoming apparent.

be in the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen or appear soon.

be in the cards

Suggests that something is likely or certain to happen.

be destined

Indicates a predetermined or inevitable future.

be around the corner

Conveys that something will happen very soon.

be in preparation

Highlights the active planning and readiness for something in the future.

loom

Presents a sense of an approaching, often threatening, event.

come to pass

Describes the actual occurrence or fulfillment of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "lay in store" in a sentence?

Use "lay in store" to indicate what the future holds for someone or something. For example, "They had no idea what "lie ahead"" or "The company executives were unsure of what challenges "await" them in the coming year".

What's a more formal alternative to "lay in store"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "be in the offing" or "be on the horizon". These options maintain a sense of anticipation while elevating the formality of your language.

How does "lay in store" differ from "await"?

"Lay in store" suggests that the future holds something specific or significant, whether expected or unexpected. "Await", on the other hand, simply implies expectation without necessarily knowing what will happen.

Is it correct to say "laid in store" instead of "lay in store"?

No, "laid in store" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The phrase "lay in store" uses the verb "lay" to mean 'to be present' or 'to exist'. The correct form is "lay", not "laid".