lay people

USAGE SUMMARY

'lay people' is correct and usable in written English.
It means people who are not especially knowledgeable or qualified in a particular area. For example: "The article tries to explain technical concepts to lay people in an accessible way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet they fascinate lay people.

Independent

We have to lay people off.

Harvard Business Review

But lay people cannot assess this news.

The Guardian - Opinion

We don't want to lay people off".

The New York Times

Risk perception of lay people emphasizes the individual experience of intuitive judgment and subjective cognition.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

How can a legal service orient & prepare lay people?

Stanford University

Mediations can be intimidating for lay people and experts alike.

Harvard University

In medicine, we lay people are getting used to that.

Independent

If they lay people off, they pay less.

The Economist

Large numbers of lay people are also entitled to accounts.

The Economist

They revealed differences between the expert and the lay people assessment.

Land Use Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "lay people". In some settings, alternative phrases like "the general public" or "non-experts" may be more appropriate to avoid sounding condescending.

Common error

Don't use "lay people" to describe groups defined by demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity). The phrase should be reserved for situations where the key distinction is a lack of specific knowledge or expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay people" functions primarily as a noun phrase referring to individuals who do not possess specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular subject. It's often used to differentiate between experts and the general public, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay people" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe individuals without specialized knowledge in a particular area. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to differentiate non-experts from experts, ensuring information is accessible to a general audience. It is frequently used in news & media, science, and academic contexts. While "lay people" is generally appropriate, being mindful of the audience and context is crucial to avoid sounding condescending. Alternatives such as "non-experts" or "general public" can be considered depending on the specific situation. Ultimately, the goal is to communicate effectively and ensure clarity for those without specialized expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Non-experts

Focuses on the absence of expertise, a direct synonym.

Non-professionals

Directly contrasts with those having professional training.

General public

Emphasizes the broad population without specialized knowledge.

The laity

Similar to "lay people", often used in religious or professional contexts.

Ordinary people

Highlights the commonality and lack of specialized training.

Average citizens

Stresses the typical, non-specialist status of individuals.

The unspecialized

Highlights the lack of specific expertise or training.

The uninitiated

Refers to those not familiar or experienced in a particular area.

The untutored

Implies a lack of formal education or training.

Common folk

Emphasizes the everyday nature and lack of elite status.

FAQs

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

Use "lay people" to refer to individuals who do not have specialized knowledge in a particular field. For example: "This explanation is intended to help lay people understand the complex scientific research."

What can I say instead of "lay people"?

You can use alternatives like "non-experts", "general public", or "ordinary people" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "lay people" in formal writing?

Yes, "lay people" is generally appropriate in formal writing, especially when contrasting the understanding of experts with that of the general public. However, consider the specific audience and adjust your language to avoid any potential for misinterpretation or offense.

What's the difference between "lay people" and "the laity"?

While both terms refer to non-specialists, "lay people" has a broader application, referring to anyone lacking specific expertise in any field. "The laity" typically refers to members of a religious organization who are not clergy.