laying out

USAGE SUMMARY

"laying out" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of setting something up in an orderly fashion. For example: "She devoted the morning to laying out a plan for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have begun laying out ideas.

The New York Times

I tried laying out in my yard.

The New York Times - Sports

In laying out his financial plans.

The New York Times

"Oh, it's awful bad luck to miss a laying out!

The New Yorker

I can't go to no laying out without it.

The New Yorker

What they're laying out, instead, is a need statement.

The New Yorker

They focus on laying out the facts and the options.

The New Yorker

I learnt a lot, laying out our present garden.

Independent

Description of procedure in digging and laying out a claim.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tierney laid out the expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

I laid out seven steps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "detailing" or "presenting" for a more formal tone, especially in business reports or academic papers.

Common error

A common mistake is confusing "laying" (the present participle of "to lay", meaning to place something down) with "lying" (the present participle of "to lie", meaning to recline). Remember that "laying out" always involves placing or arranging something, not reclining.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "laying out" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. It describes an ongoing action of arranging, explaining, or presenting something as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laying out" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of arranging, presenting, or explaining something in an organized fashion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral, consider synonyms for more formal settings. Remember to differentiate "laying out" from "lying" or "laying down" to avoid common errors. By understanding its function and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "laying out" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting out

Focuses more on the initial arrangement or display of items.

presenting

Emphasizes the act of formally introducing or explaining something.

detailing

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation or description.

arranging

Focuses on the physical act of organizing items in a specific order.

planning

Highlights the strategic aspect of designing or structuring something.

describing

Centers on providing a verbal or written account of something.

displaying

Emphasizes the act of making something visible or apparent.

explicating

Stresses the act of clarifying or interpreting something complex.

formulating

Focuses on the process of creating or developing a structured plan.

organizing

Implies structuring or systematizing elements for clarity and efficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "laying out" to describe the act of arranging items, explaining a plan, or presenting information in an organized way. For example, "She is laying out the blueprints for the new building" or "The lawyer is laying out the facts of the case".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "laying out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "setting out", "presenting", "detailing", or "arranging".

Is "laying out" formal or informal language?

"Laying out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal settings, consider using synonyms like "presenting" or "detailing".

What's the difference between "laying out" and "laying down"?

"Laying out" implies arranging or presenting something, while "laying down" implies placing something in a horizontal position or establishing a rule or principle. For example, "laying out the tiles" vs. "laying down the law".