lies unused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lies unused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not being utilized or is left idle. Example: "The old factory lies unused, a relic of a bygone era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In Binga, a western district, 115 tonnes of high-protein porridge, intended to feed local schoolchildren, lies unused and rotting in a warehouse.

The Economist

The land, which is given for the purpose of establishing cantonments, offices and residential complexes, often lies unused; there is a surplus of nearly 82,000 acres of land according to one estimate.

The New York Times

But a promising tool for epidemiologists lies unused: mobile-phone data.When people make mobile-phone calls, the network generates a call data record (CDR) containing such information as the phone numbers of the caller and receiver, the time of the call and the tower that handled it which gives a rough indication of the device's location.

The Economist

White spaces spectrum refers to spectrum that lies unused within spectrum bands, left fallow to create gaps or buffers between TV broadcasts to avoid interference between channels.

TechCrunch

In contrast to this apparent spectrum scarcity has been the pervasive existence of spectrum opportunity as extensive measurements indicate that, at any given time and location, a large portion of licensed spectrum lies unused [2].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We've reached a point, however, where a strategy of whack-a-mole -- in particular a version where the mallet mostly lies unused on the ground -- just won't cut it anymore when it comes to stopping corporate criminality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Conference centres lie unused on the edge of vacant developments.

The Guardian

If these few opponents have their way, the park will lay unused all summer long".

The New York Times

Nearby is a pneumothorax apparatus, lying unused since the 1950's.

The New York Times - Health

In 2011, over half the brownfield sites in Britain were lying unused.

The Guardian - Opinion

Second, according to one estimate in early 2003, 21% of manufacturing capacity lay unused after the investment splurge of the mid-1990s.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lies unused" to vividly describe a resource or potential that is not currently being tapped. This construction often carries a sense of waste or missed opportunity.

Common error

Ensure you're using the correct tense of "lie". "Lies unused" is present tense. If referring to the past, use "lay unused" or "was lying unused" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lies unused" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of inactivity or non-utilization. Ludwig AI states the phrase as correct and usable in written English. It often modifies a noun, describing its condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lies unused" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating that something remains inactive or unutilized. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral register and suggests a sense of potential being wasted. For alternatives, consider "remains untouched" or "is not utilized" depending on the intended nuance. When writing, ensure that you are using the correct tense of "lie" to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not utilized

Directly states a lack of use or application.

remains untouched

Implies something has not been altered or used.

sits idle

Suggests a state of inactivity, often temporary.

stays inactive

Describes a continuous state of non-activity.

is left dormant

Emphasizes a period of inactivity, possibly with the expectation of future use.

is kept aside

Suggests something is reserved but not currently in use.

remains inoperative

Highlights the inability to function or operate.

remains unapplied

Indicates a resource or skill that hasn't been put to use.

goes unexploited

Focuses on the failure to take advantage of something.

is left fallow

Specifically refers to land that is not being cultivated.

FAQs

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

Use "lies unused" to describe something that is available but not being used. For example, "The potential of this technology "lies unused" due to lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to saying "lies unused"?

You can use alternatives like "remains untouched", "sits idle", or "is not utilized" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lay unused" instead of "lies unused"?

"Lay unused" is the past tense form, while ""lies unused"" is present tense. Use "lay unused" when referring to something that was unused in the past.

What's the difference between "lies unused" and "is lying unused"?

"Lies unused" is a more concise way of saying "is lying unused". Both are grammatically correct, but ""lies unused"" is often preferred for its brevity and directness.