lies among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lies among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is situated within a group or collection of items or concepts. Example: "The truth often lies among the many opinions expressed during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

His body lies among the many unmarked graves that dot the Jarama valley.

The New York Times - Travel

It lies among the downs on the River Wey, about 18 miles (29 km) northeast of Winchester by road.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bishara, a huddle of hundred or so breeze-block cement and brick homes with intermittent electricity and patchy sanitation, lies among fields that stretch to the horizon.

The Guardian

Mr. Johnson's greatest strength lies among traditional Conservatives: older people, richer people, people who live in the suburbs rather than the inner city.

The New York Times

World War I left deep scars in the village, which lies among the killing fields of 1914-18, near the Belgian border.

The New York Times

It has damp-wrinkled carpets and ripped purple curtains, the top floor ceiling has collapsed, revealing rib-like wooden struts, and a huge, grimy, white fluffy duck lies among the old children's toys abandoned on the floor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The real payoff from good coaching lies among the middle 60% — your core performers.

Harvard Business Review

A damaged cross lay among the rubble.

The Guardian

"I was lying among the corpses," she said.

The New York Times

Rotting meat lying among other food scattered across the counters.

The Guardian

Nearby a massive brass bell lay among tangled prayer flags.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lies among" to create a sense of location or placement within a broader context. It adds a descriptive element to your writing, helping readers visualize the scene or understand the relationship between elements.

Common error

Ensure you're not confusing "lies among" (to be situated) with "lays among", which is grammatically incorrect. "Lay" requires a direct object, while "lie" is intransitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lies among" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the location or position of something within a specific context or group. Ludwig AI shows examples in diverse contexts, validating its role in establishing spatial or conceptual relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lies among" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively conveys the location or placement of something within a larger group or environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, scientific writing, and general descriptions. Remember to use "lies" (intransitive) rather than "lays" (transitive), and consider alternatives like "is situated among" or "is located within" for variety. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is situated among

Uses 'situated' to emphasize a formal placement.

is located within

Focuses on physical location or containment.

is positioned among

Highlights arrangement or strategic placement.

is found within

Emphasizes discovery or existence within a group.

is nestled in

Suggests a cozy or protected location.

is embedded within

Implies deep integration or connection.

is encompassed by

Focuses on being surrounded or included.

is set within

Indicates a deliberate or artistic placement.

is placed amidst

Emphasizes being in the middle of something.

is surrounded by

Highlights the environment or context.

FAQs

How do I use "lies among" in a sentence?

Use "lies among" to describe something that is situated within a group or area. For example, "The village "lies among" the rolling hills."

What can I say instead of "lies among"?

You can use alternatives like "is situated among", "is located within", or "is found within" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "lies among" or "lays among"?

"Lies among" is the correct phrase. "Lays among" is grammatically incorrect because "lay" requires a direct object, while "lie" does not.

What's the difference between "is located within" and "lies among"?

"Lies among" often carries a more descriptive or evocative tone, suggesting a natural or inherent placement, while "is located within" is more neutral and factual. You can use phrases like "is situated among" to convey similar meaning.