lay upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay upon" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a verb phrase meaning to place or rest something on top of something else. Example: The heavy responsibility of caring for his sick father lay upon John's shoulders.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Spoon out the crisps and lay upon some paper to drain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A film of tiny insects and bits of vegetation lay upon the surface.

The New Yorker

She looked down to see that her hand lay upon a pile of silk stockings.

Independent

Neither shalt thou lay upon him usury". Now what does that mean?

Yale University

"Preludes" by TS Eliot "You tossed a blanket from the bed, / You lay upon your back, and waited".

The Guardian - Books

Cut the egg in half and lay upon the beetroot, seasoning with a little salt and pepper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Immense responsibility lies upon their shoulders.

The Guardian - Opinion

No action, therefore, will lie upon the contract.

Harvard University

"These were lies upon lies, and like a house of cards they eventually came tumbling down".

The New York Times

"In Sweden, like in other countries, the burden of proof lies upon the prosecutor.

The Guardian

He says "And custom lie upon thee with a weight as heavy as...".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lay upon" to add a touch of formality or literary style to your writing, particularly when describing physical placement or the imposition of responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "lay upon" when "lie upon" is grammatically correct. "Lay" requires a direct object (e.g., "lay the book upon the table"), while "lie" does not (e.g., "I lie upon the bed"). Remember to conjugate correctly: "lay" (present), "laid" (past), "lying" (present participle), "lain" (past participle); "lie" (present), "lay" (past), "lying" (present participle), "lain" (past participle).

Linguistic Context

Transitive verb phrase. The phrase "lay upon" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating the action of placing something onto something else. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, such as placing objects on surfaces or imposing burdens.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lay upon" is a grammatically correct and relatively common verb phrase used to describe the action of placing something on something else, or imposing something abstract, such as responsibility. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use in news media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, lending itself to formal and scientific contexts. While generally straightforward, writers should be mindful of confusing "lay" with "lie". Consider alternatives like "rest upon" or "placed on" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig's diverse examples provide a solid basis for understanding and utilizing "lay upon" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rest upon

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the state of resting rather than the action of placing.

placed on

A more direct and commonly used alternative, focusing on the action of placing.

situated on

Indicates a specific location or position on something.

imposed upon

Specifically refers to something burdensome being placed on someone or something.

affixed to

Implies a more permanent attachment or connection.

positioned on

Highlights the act of carefully placing something in a particular spot.

superimposed on

Suggests placing something on top of something else so that both are still apparent.

ascribed to

Used when attributing qualities, characteristics or blame.

attributed to

Similar to ascribed, but can also indicate cause or origin.

bestowed upon

Implies a gift or honor being conferred.

FAQs

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

You can use "lay upon" to describe something being placed or resting on something else, such as "The responsibility lay upon his shoulders" or "She lay the flowers upon the grave."

What are some alternatives to "lay upon"?

Some alternatives include "rest upon", "placed on", or "imposed upon", depending on the specific context.

Is "lay upon" formal or informal?

"Lay upon" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "placed on". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between them.

Which is correct: "lay upon" or "lie upon"?

Both phrases are correct but have different meanings. "Lay upon" means to place something on something else. "Lie upon" means to recline or rest on something.