lying across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is positioned in a horizontal manner over or on top of another object or surface. Example: "The cat was lying across the warm sunlit windowsill, enjoying the afternoon light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go to sleep lying across the bed.

The Guardian - Books

The person was perfectly still lying across all four tracks.

Independent

Chilly are the iron chains lying across the width of the Great Ferry.

Columbia University

G 7516 D: The stone coffin lying across the center of this pit was opened today.

Harvard University

There was another person lying across the foot of the bed.

The New Yorker

In 1931, his body was reportedly found lying across trolley tracks in Lansing, Mich.

The New York Times

Loch Lomond, largest of the Scottish lakes, lying across the southern edge of the Highlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later, I propped up two rental bikes lying across my path.

The Guardian - Opinion

Directly in its path are five people, bound and lying across the tracks.

The New Yorker

An ordinary hose lying across a road is another simple but ingenious detonator.

The Guardian

There were men lying across three chairs like old dogs at the track.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "lying across" to clearly depict something or someone positioned horizontally over a surface, ensuring the image is vivid and easily understood. For instance, "The cat was lying across the keyboard, preventing me from working."

Common error

Avoid using "laying across" instead of "lying across". "Laying" requires a direct object (e.g., "laying the blanket across the bed"), while "lying" describes the state of being in a horizontal position. Remember, "lying across" means being in a reclined position over something, while "laying" means to place something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying across" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It describes the action of something being in a horizontal position over or upon something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lying across" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes something positioned horizontally over another object. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It is commonly found in news, media, and academic contexts, providing a clear visual description. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the intended spatial relationship and avoid the common mistake of using "laying" instead of "lying". Consider alternatives like "stretched over" or "positioned over" for nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laid over

Focuses on the action of placing something horizontally over another.

stretched over

Implies extending the body or an object to cover something, with a sense of reaching or spanning a distance.

positioned over

Suggests a deliberate placement of something above another object.

extending across

Emphasizes the act of something reaching from one side to the other.

sprawled upon

Indicates a relaxed or ungainly way of lying, often suggesting a lack of formality.

spanning over

Implies covering or bridging a gap or distance with something.

reclining on

Implies a more formal and relaxed position of resting or leaning back.

overlaying

Indicates one thing covering another, often in layers or partially.

resting atop

Suggests a gentle placement on the highest point or surface of something.

superimposed on

Suggests placing one thing directly on top of another, often in a graphic or abstract sense.

FAQs

How can I use "lying across" in a sentence?

Use "lying across" to describe something positioned horizontally over another object. For example, "The scarf was "lying across" the chair", or "He was "lying across" the bed reading a book".

What are some alternatives to "lying across"?

Alternatives include phrases like "stretched over", "positioned over", or "sprawled upon", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "laying across" instead of "lying across"?

No, "laying across" is grammatically incorrect. "Laying" requires a direct object, while "lying" is used to describe the state of reclining. You should use ""lying across"" when describing something in a horizontal position over something else.

What is the difference between "lying across" and "resting on"?

"Lying across" implies a more extensive horizontal position covering a surface, while "resting on" suggests a more localized point of contact and support. For example, a blanket might be lying across a bed, but a book might be resting on a table.