lying flat

USAGE SUMMARY

"lying flat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is laid out horizontally on a surface. Example: After the accident, the bike was lying flat on the ground.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are they lying flat out?

The New York Times

She breathes, lying flat in the night, catches her breath.

The New Yorker

Picture me lying flat out on my deathbed.

The New Yorker

In some societies, lying flat is a symbol of death.

The Guardian

To photograph nudes, lying flat on his stomach, was his sp specialty.

The New Yorker

"The defeat against Manny Pacquiao, lying flat on my back in Vegas.

Independent

Recovery was arduous and involved lying flat on his back for two days.

Independent

Afterward, I was left lying flat to "marinate" (the retinologist's word) for 20 minutes.

The New York Times

She was fine lying flat, but the room spun wildly whenever she tried to sit up.

The New York Times

One day, I came home and she was lying flat on the floor.

The New Yorker

She delivered some of her most altitudinous and treacherous coloratura lying flat on her back.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions or exercises, use "lying flat" to clearly indicate a patient's or subject's position for accurate communication.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear whether "lying flat" refers to a literal physical position or a figurative state, such as in financial contexts where it might mean stagnation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying flat" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, or as part of a verb phrase describing an action. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use to describe physical positions and states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lying flat" is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily as a gerund phrase describing a horizontal position or a state of being prone. Its frequency is very common, appearing often in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While appropriate for both formal and informal writing, its straightforward nature makes it particularly useful in describing medical conditions, exercises, and object positioning. Remember to consider the context to avoid ambiguity, ensuring clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone position

Specifies the body's orientation face down, similar to lying flat.

horizontal position

Describes the orientation of being parallel to the ground, like lying flat.

supine position

Indicates lying on the back, a specific way of lying flat.

reclining

Suggests a relaxed state of lying back, comparable to lying flat for comfort.

prostrate

Implies lying flat often in a state of submission or exhaustion.

level

Describes something at the same height and not tilted, similarly a person lying flat.

at rest

Indicates a state of inactivity which can involve lying flat.

laid out

Describes being arranged in a flat position, similar to lying flat.

prone

Specifies the state of being likely to experience something, can also be a synonymous of lying flat when referred to physical posture.

stretched out

Suggests extending the body while lying flat, emphasizing length.

FAQs

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

You can use "lying flat" to describe a physical position, as in "The patient was lying flat on the examination table", or to describe a state of inactivity, as in "After the defeat, the team was metaphorically lying flat".

What does it mean to say something is "lying flat"?

To say something is "lying flat" means it is positioned horizontally on a surface. This can apply to objects or people, indicating they are not upright or tilted.

What are some synonyms for "lying flat"?

Some synonyms for "lying flat" include "prone position", "horizontal position", and "supine position", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "lying flat" in formal writing?

Yes, "lying flat" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI shows its use in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating its acceptability across various registers.