laying open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laying open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of revealing or exposing something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The investigation is laying open the corruption that has plagued the organization for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Irony, burlesque, an as tringent barrage of clichés and found phrases, all juxtaposed in a welter of dictions that come out in a wholly original way, laying open everybody's despair.

The New York Times

Hated as the question is, Girl in a Band actually answers "what's it like?" generously, laying open the often mundane reality of being in a working band-cum-relationship, and parenting alongside.

The Guardian - Books

And what businesses using digital technology have accomplished so far barely scratches the surface of the possible, laying open management's most pressing new challenge: shifting from managing the scarcity of material substances hemmed in by real places and actual events to managing the overabundance — even the infinite supply — of digital substances, virtual places, and autonomous events.

Harvard Business Review

After that, Ufford had lost the second game as well and had only managed to salvage the match by ex tending himself to the fullest, laying open the fourth finger of his racquet hand against the floor in the process and smearing his white shorts with blood.

The New York Times

If someone in the government whose job it was to keep secrets had taken a sensible look at the billing case, rather than, as may have been, neglecting it, the result might have been the same — a laying open of the books.

The New Yorker

But when the request goes to "copies of the orders issued in relation to Colo Burr, to the officers at Orleans, Natchez, &c., by the Secretaries of the War & Navy departments," it seems to cover a correspondence of many months, with such a variety of officers, civil & military, all over the U S, as would amount to the laying open the whole executive books.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

With accounts laid open, local media might put pressure on kleptocrats.

The Economist

Fordyce's "Sermons," she tells Lucy, should be laid open on the table.

The New Yorker

The Zippo moment, which once summoned male power, now laid open male anxiety.

The New York Times - Arts

She felt herself laid open in the bleaching light of his attention.

The Guardian - Books

The soul he lays open -- a sweet, forgiving and generous one -- is his own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laying open" when you want to emphasize the act of revealing something in a way that makes it vulnerable or accessible for examination. For instance, "The investigation is laying open the company's financial records to scrutiny."

Common error

Avoid using "laying open" in contexts where a simple "revealing" or "exposing" would suffice. "Laying open" carries a stronger connotation of vulnerability or accessibility, so ensure that this nuance is appropriate for your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laying open" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle construction. It describes an ongoing action of revealing or exposing something, often with the implication of making it vulnerable or accessible for scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "laying open" is a grammatically sound and relatively common verb phrase used to describe the act of revealing something, often with the added implication of making it vulnerable or accessible. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. It finds frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using "laying open", ensure that the context aligns with its nuanced meaning of exposure and vulnerability. Alternatives such as "revealing" or "exposing" may be more appropriate if the vulnerability aspect is not intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening up

A more general phrase for making something accessible or available, either physically or figuratively.

revealing

Focuses on the act of making something known or visible, removing a cover or concealment.

exposing

Implies uncovering something, often with the connotation of revealing something previously hidden or discreditable.

exposing to view

Stresses the act of making something visible or apparent.

unveiling

Suggests a formal or ceremonial uncovering, often of something new or significant.

bringing to light

Implies uncovering something previously unknown or obscure, often with the intention of revealing the truth.

disclosing

Emphasizes the act of making information known, often of a confidential or private nature.

divulging

Indicates revealing something secret or private, often reluctantly.

making accessible

Highlights the act of providing access or opportunity, opening something up for use or understanding.

rendering vulnerable

Focuses on making something susceptible to harm or attack.

FAQs

How can I use "laying open" in a sentence?

"Laying open" is used to describe the act of revealing something, often with the implication of making it vulnerable or accessible for examination. For example, "The investigation is laying open the extent of the corruption within the organization."

What can I say instead of "laying open"?

Alternatives to "laying open" include "revealing", "exposing", or "unveiling", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "laying open" and "revealing"?

"Laying open" implies a more thorough and potentially vulnerable exposure, while "revealing" simply means making something known.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "laying open"?

Use "laying open" when you want to convey the idea that something is not only being revealed but also made accessible or vulnerable to scrutiny. For instance, "The scandal laid open the flaws in the regulatory system."