lay the idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"lay the idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a context where you wish to introduce an idea or to put it forward for discussion. For example: "Let's lay the idea on the table and discuss it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Behind them lay the idea that the ultimate purpose of companies is to add value for shareholders.

The Economist

Behind the term lay the idea that "all culture and traditions within a society must be completely destroyed or discarded and a new revolutionary culture must replace it, starting from scratch".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you're going to have a party, you're going to have to lay the ideas out and organize the party.

WikiHow

At the heart of the institution lies the idea of a woman entering for life the service of a deity.

The New Yorker

Behind this system lies the idea of the individual guided by a conscience, but who may do wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Behind this lies the idea that a businessman demands inputs of land, labour, and capital because he needs them in the production of goods that he sells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In practice, at the heart of the European labour market lies the idea that it is acceptable to sacrifice the opportunities of the worst off to help those who are in work.

The Economist

At the heart of Parks and Recreation's success lies the idea that Poehler's character, the unstoppable Leslie Knope, deputy parks director of Pawnee, is not a fool or an incompetent, a bully or a bigot.

Independent

Behind the use of such scripting languages for Web programming lies the idea of component programming, in which programs are constructed by combining independent previously written components without any further language processing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this lies the idea of the aforementioned paradox.

Nanoscale Research Letters

At the basis of the construction of the second stage lies the idea of diversification.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lay the idea" when you want to introduce an idea in a deliberate and somewhat formal manner, often with the intention of further examination or discussion. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the phrase's slightly assertive tone.

Common error

Avoid using "lay the idea" in very informal settings or when a gentler introduction of an idea is needed. Phrases like "suggest" or "propose" might be more suitable in less assertive contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the idea" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce or present a concept for consideration. It implies a deliberate action of placing an idea before an audience, often for discussion or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lay the idea" is a phrase used to introduce a concept for consideration or discussion. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, although its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is best suited for neutral or semi-formal contexts, as outlined in the linguistic analysis. While sources include News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific publications it can also appear in formal business writing. When opting for alternatives, consider options like "introduce the concept" or "put forward the notion" to achieve similar effects with potentially broader appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce the concept

Focuses on the act of presenting a new idea.

put forward the notion

Emphasizes the suggestion or proposal aspect of the idea.

propose the thought

Highlights the act of suggesting an idea for consideration.

present the plan

Refers specifically to introducing a detailed scheme or method.

advance the theory

Suggests promoting a formal and structured idea.

table the suggestion

Implies formally submitting an idea for discussion.

float the possibility

Indicates introducing an idea as a potential option.

offer the perspective

Emphasizes sharing a specific viewpoint or way of understanding.

air the view

Means to express an opinion publicly.

unveil the concept

Suggests revealing a previously hidden idea.

FAQs

How can I use "lay the idea" in a sentence?

You can use "lay the idea" to introduce a concept for consideration, as in "Let's lay the idea of a new marketing strategy on the table and discuss its feasibility".

What phrases are similar to "lay the idea"?

Similar phrases include "introduce the concept", "put forward the notion", or "propose the thought".

Is "lay the idea" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "lay the idea" can be appropriate for formal writing, particularly when introducing a proposal or concept that requires careful consideration. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What is the difference between "lay the idea" and "suggest the idea"?

"Lay the idea" implies a more deliberate and potentially assertive introduction of a concept, while "suggest the idea" ("suggest the idea") is generally a softer and less forceful way to introduce a thought.