lay them out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay them out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe the act of arranging or presenting information, items, or ideas in a clear and organized manner. Example: "In the meeting, I will lay them out on the table for everyone to see and discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Roger would usually lay them out; he was very organized.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think audiences accept things when you lay them out for them," he said.

Independent

Print your offers out and lay them out side by side, McBride says.

The Washington Post

People bring their unwanted items, lay them out and take home items others have brought.

The New York Times

The reasons for the sparring are complicated, though some here lay them out simply now.

The New York Times

"We're not ducking them, we're trying to lay them out as transparently as we can.

The New York Times

Toss them in olive oil, salt and pepper and lay them out on a baking sheet.

The New York Times - Food

Cut or pick the seedheads and lay them out to dry somewhere warm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the H3 algorithm we lay them out on a hemisphere: a spherical cap which covers the cone mouth.

Stanford University

So, we will lay them out end to end.

Huffington Post

So instead, I'm going to lay them out here.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lay them out" to describe arranging physical items, ensure the context clearly indicates the items being arranged. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "explain them" or "present them" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lay them out" without a clear reference to what "them" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always ensure the object is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lay them out" is a phrasal verb, functioning as a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("them"). It describes the action of arranging items or presenting information in an organized manner. Ludwig provides examples that demonstrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

26%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

41%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay them out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of arranging physical items or presenting information in an organized manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most commonly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, and its register is generally neutral. While versatile, clarity is key when using "lay them out"; ensure the object of the phrase is clearly stated or easily inferred. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "present them", "explain them", or "arrange them", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present them clearly

Focuses on clarity in presentation.

explain them in detail

Emphasizes providing a thorough explanation.

display them systematically

Highlights the organized arrangement.

arrange them neatly

Focuses on the tidiness of the arrangement.

unfold them comprehensively

Implies a gradual and complete revelation.

detail them thoroughly

Suggests a meticulous and exhaustive explanation.

itemize them specifically

Highlights the listing of individual items.

articulate them precisely

Emphasizes the clarity and accuracy of expression.

illustrate them vividly

Focuses on creating a clear and impactful mental image.

structure them logically

Highlights the use of logical organization.

FAQs

How can I use "lay them out" in a sentence?

You can use "lay them out" to describe arranging items physically, as in "Lay them out on the table", or to describe explaining ideas, as in "Let's lay them out for discussion".

What can I say instead of "lay them out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "present them", "explain them", or "arrange them".

Is it correct to say "laid them out" instead of "lay them out"?

"Laid them out" is the past tense form of "lay them out". Use "laid" when referring to a past action, for example, "He laid them out yesterday".

What's the difference between "lay them out" and "lay it out"?

"Lay them out" refers to multiple items, while "lay it out" refers to a single item or a single concept. For example, "Lay them out" (multiple documents), vs. "Lay it out" (the plan).