lie with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lie with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a synonym for "to be the responsibility of" or "to rest with". For example, "The decision to hire new teachers lies with the principal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The damsel refused to lie with them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All responsibility will now lie with him.

The Economist

The answer may lie with entrepreneurs.

The Economist

"You can really lie with visualising statistics".

Independent

You lie with your face.

The Guardian - Film

Power must lie with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our future doesn't lie with nuclear energy".

The New York Times

Their loyalties lie with their own leaders.

The New York Times

"Men shall not lie with men.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rights and responsibilities lie with the surrogate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stein believes the answers lie with hearing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lie with" to describe physical positioning, ensuring that the noun and prepositional phrase provide adequate context, such as "Lie with your back on the floor during exercise."

Common error

Avoid using "lie with" in formal contexts when the intended meaning is sexual intimacy. Opt for more direct and appropriate language like "sleep with" or "have sexual relations with" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lie with" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It commonly indicates where responsibility or authority is located, such as in the example "All responsibility will now lie with him", taken from Ludwig. It can also describe physical positioning, as seen in the WikiHow example, "Lie with your back on the floor."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lie with" is a versatile verb phrase with multiple meanings, most commonly denoting responsibility or physical positioning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral in register, careful attention to context is essential to avoid ambiguity, particularly distinguishing between responsibility and sexual intimacy. When writing, ensure clarity in assigning responsibility and consider using direct alternatives like "rest with" or "be the responsibility of" for added precision. Similarly, direct alternatives like "sleep with" are best when the intended meaning is sexual intimacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rest with

Focuses on the placement of responsibility or authority.

sleep with

Refers specifically to sexual intimacy; more direct.

be the responsibility of

Emphasizes the obligation associated with a task or decision.

fall to

Indicates a duty or task that one must undertake.

be incumbent upon

Highlights a moral or legal obligation to act.

reside in

Suggests that power or authority is located within a person or entity.

originate in

Indicates the source or beginning of something.

sympathize with

Conveys feelings of compassion or understanding for someone.

recline with

Suggests a relaxed or restful posture.

coincide with

Indicates that events or ideas occur at the same time or align.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "lies with" someone?

When something "lies with" someone, it means that the responsibility or authority for that thing belongs to that person. For example, "The decision lies with the director."

What are some alternatives to "lie with" when referring to responsibility?

Alternatives to "lie with" in the context of responsibility include phrases like "rest with", "be the responsibility of", or "fall to".

Can "lie with" refer to physical positioning?

Yes, "lie with" can also describe a physical position, such as "Lie with your back flat on the floor."

Is it appropriate to use "lie with" in formal writing to mean "have sexual relations with"?

While technically correct, using "lie with" to mean "have sexual relations with" might be perceived as archaic or euphemistic. More direct alternatives like "sleep with" or "have sexual relations with" are generally preferred in modern formal writing.