lies at

USAGE SUMMARY

'lies at' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a physical location, often in relation to a larger area or space. For example, "The entrance to the park lies at the end of the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The real problem lies at Yasukuni.

The Economist

That aside, the blame lies at home.

The Economist

What lies at its core?

The Guardian - Books

What lies at autism's core?

The New York Times - Science

Guilt lies at the root of sacrifice.

Stanford University

Indira Gandhi Memorial Park lies at the city's centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It lies at the base of Mount Brasil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One reason lies at Vestas's own door.

The Economist

Ultimate responsibility lies at the top.

The Guardian

Joint ownership lies at its core.

The Guardian

The answer, amazingly, lies at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lies at" to describe abstract concepts, ensure the context clearly establishes the relationship being described. For example, "The key to success lies at the intersection of hard work and opportunity".

Common error

Avoid using "lies at" when a more direct active verb is appropriate. For example, instead of "The problem lies at the company's management", consider "The company's management is the source of the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lies at" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating location, either physical or abstract. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to specify a position in both concrete (e.g., "Indira Gandhi Memorial Park lies at the city's centre") and figurative senses (e.g., "Guilt lies at the root of sacrifice").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lies at" is a versatile phrase used to indicate location, both physical and abstract, and it's considered grammatically correct. According to Ludwig, the phrase is very common, finding frequent use in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, avoiding misuse in active voice is essential for clarity. Whether describing a geographical location or the core of an issue, "lies at" provides a precise point of reference, enriching communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is located at

Focuses specifically on physical location rather than abstract placement.

is situated at

Similar to 'is located at', but often implies a more permanent or established position.

is found at

Emphasizes the discovery or finding of something at a particular location.

is based at

Suggests a headquarters or primary operational location.

is rooted in

Indicates the origin or foundation of something, rather than a physical location.

is centered on

Highlights the focus or main point of something.

is fundamental to

Emphasizes the essential or foundational nature of something.

is the responsibility of

Shifts the focus to accountability and obligation.

is attributable to

Indicates the cause or origin of something.

hinges on

Implies that something depends critically on a particular point or factor.

FAQs

How can I use "lies at" in a sentence?

The phrase "lies at" is used to indicate a location, either physical or abstract. For example, "The town lies at the foot of the mountain", or "The answer "lies at the heart of" the matter".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lies at"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is located at", "is situated at", or "is found at" for physical locations. For abstract concepts, consider "is rooted in" or "is centered on".

Is it correct to say "the fault lies at"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "the fault lies at" is used to indicate where the blame or responsibility for something resides. For example, "The fault "lies at your door"".

What's the difference between "lies at" and "underlies"?

"Lies at" indicates a specific location or point, while "underlies" suggests a deeper, less obvious foundation or cause. For example, "The city lies at the river's edge", but "A lack of communication underlies the conflict".