lie upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lie upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something resting or being positioned on top of something else, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The responsibility to lead the project will lie upon the shoulders of the team leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

The word incubus is derived from the Latin incubus ("nightmare") and incubare ("to lie upon, weigh upon, brood").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bray's "cottages wreathed with flowers" were noted, as well as its "fortune to lie upon no highway save the river".

The New York Times

He tells "lie upon lie, all of them directly or indirectly aimed at the destruction of Israel".

Independent

Speaking via video link to the Oxford Union in January, he labelled it "a massive propaganda attack" that told "lie upon lie".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Immense responsibility lies upon their shoulders.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

The New York Times

Yet he continued to lose — and lie, compounding lies upon more elaborate lies.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lie upon" to indicate responsibility, ensure clarity by specifying who or what the responsibility rests on. For example, "The success of the project will "lie upon" the project manager's leadership."

Common error

The verb "lie" (to recline) and "lay" (to place) are often confused. Remember that "lie upon" (to recline on) is different from "lay something upon" (to place something on). Always check if you mean to recline or to place something.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "lie upon" functions primarily as a stative verb, indicating a state of being located or resting on something. It can also function to express obligation as can be seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "lie upon" is grammatically sound and functions to describe either the physical placement of something or the placement of responsibility. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests its usage spans various contexts, most commonly appearing in News & Media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While not exceptionally frequent, understanding the correct usage, particularly in distinguishing it from "lay upon", is key to effective communication. Consider using alternatives like "rest on" or "be incumbent on" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rest on

Focuses more on the support provided by the lower surface.

be incumbent on

Shifts the meaning to a duty or obligation.

be one's responsibility

Emphasizes the aspect of responsibility and duty.

resting atop

Implies a position at the very top of something.

be placed upon

Highlights the action of putting something on a surface.

recline on

Specifies a more relaxed or leaning position.

be settled on

Suggests permanence or a final resting place.

be situated on

Describes a location or position on something.

overlie

Formal term, meaning to lie over or cover something.

be superposed on

Technical term implying layering or stacking.

FAQs

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

The phrase "lie upon" can be used to describe something resting on a surface or a responsibility being incumbent on someone. For example, "The book "lie upon" the table", or "The burden of proof "lies upon" the prosecution".

What does "lie upon" mean?

"Lie upon" means to rest or recline on something. It can also mean that something is a responsibility or obligation.

What are some alternatives to "lie upon"?

Alternatives to "lie upon" include "rest on", "be incumbent on", or "be the responsibility of" depending on the context.

Is "lie upon" formal or informal?

The phrase "lie upon" is neither strictly formal nor informal. Its appropriateness depends on the context. While acceptable, consider stronger verbs in more formal settings.