lay the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay the problem" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "lay out the problem," which is used when you want to explain or present a problem clearly. Example: "In our meeting, I will lay out the problem we are facing with the project timeline."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Everyone said it was as good as all his others — and therein lay the problem.

The New Yorker

The NDA also bars police from telling local officials about the device's capabilities, and therein lay the problem for officials in Santa Clara County.

The Guardian

It would be better to lay the problem of reductionism at the doors of specific forms of reduction (many of those doors little more than temporary storefronts), rather than at the very large door of "post-Galilean science".

The New Yorker

The gap emerged in late 1993 in a review of the proof and lingered until October 1994, when Wiles sent colleagues a revised proof that he hoped would finally lay the problem to rest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And there lay the problem: patents, as Christopher Sprigman, a professor at New York University School of Law, told me, "are only supposed to be granted on inventions that are novel and nonobvious.

The New Yorker

There, in microcosm, lay the problem that plagued Bush from the off: a surname that earned a record $100m war chest before he had even declared his candidacy, and yet became one of his many disqualifications in the eyes of a primary electorate shaped less by conventional wisdom than anti-establishment fervor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Herein lies the problem".

The New Yorker

But herein lies the problem.

The New York Times

And herein lies the problem.

The New York Times

And therein lies the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

There lies the problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a problem, use the phrase "lay out the problem" to clearly present its various aspects and implications. This ensures clarity and helps others understand the issue fully.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "lay the problem" as it's not considered standard English. Instead, opt for more accepted phrases like "lay out the problem", "present the problem", or "outline the problem" to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the problem" functions as a verb phrase where "lay" is intended to mean "present" or "explain". However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is not considered standard English. The correct form is typically "lay out the problem".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay the problem" is considered non-standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct and preferred phrasing is "lay out the problem". While the intention is to present or explain an issue, using the incorrect phrase may lead to miscommunication. It is advisable to use established alternatives like "lay out the problem", "present the problem", or "outline the problem" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, especially in professional or formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay out the problem

Emphasizes a structured, detailed presentation of the problem.

present the problem

Offers a straightforward and neutral alternative to introduce the issue.

outline the problem

Suggests providing a summary of the core issues without going into excessive details.

detail the problem

Focuses on providing in-depth information about the problem.

explain the problem

Highlights the need for clarification and understanding of the issue.

address the problem

Implies taking steps to deal with or resolve the problem.

define the problem

Focuses on establishing a clear and precise understanding of the problem's nature.

articulate the problem

Emphasizes expressing the problem clearly and effectively.

elucidate the problem

Suggests making the problem clear and easy to understand, often by providing additional information.

set forth the problem

Presents a formal way of introducing the problem, often in a written document.

FAQs

What's a correct way to use "lay" with "problem"?

The correct way to use "lay" when referring to a problem is to say "lay out the problem". This means to explain or present the problem clearly and in detail.

What does "lay out the problem" mean?

To "lay out the problem" means to present it in a clear and organized way, detailing all relevant aspects so others can understand it fully.

Are there formal alternatives to "lay out the problem"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "present the problem", "outline the problem", or "detail the problem", depending on the context and level of detail required.

Why is "lay the problem" considered incorrect?

While some instances of "lay the problem" can be found, it's not considered standard English. The correct and widely accepted phrasing is "lay out the problem", which aligns with established grammatical conventions.