lying in the shade

USAGE SUMMARY

"lying in the shade" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the physical state of someone or something that is not in direct sunlight. For example, "My brother was lying in the shade of a tree, enjoying the summer breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Some riders were lying in the shade, asleep.

The Guardian - Travel

Tamzen was lying in the shade of the vehicle, but still feeling dehydrated.

The New York Times - Travel

There I meet Samir, his face lined beyond his 50 years, scavenging for metal since 1989, lying in the shade of a grubby cloth tent close to dozens of stinking cow hides.

Independent

Here, in the town of Neum, the atmosphere is suddenly very different: ladies in stout swimwear lying in the shade of the bombed-out post office, a victim of Serbian army artillery.

The Guardian - Travel

A pretty watercolor on the wall above the sofa, where I was obviously supposed to sit — a Rowlandson, it turned out, showing cows lying in the shade of a small copse.

The New Yorker

I ran out to find the packets lying in the shade of Henry's lilac, and then proceeded to the kitchen garden, determined to plant them in beds, covered lightly with compost.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Neighborhood pets lie in the shade panting.

The New York Times

The sandy lane is lined with olive groves where cows lie in the shade.

Independent

After lunch we lay in the shade of palm trees or did some desultory snorkeling.

The New York Times - Travel

Maria's 10-year-old son, Raoul, lies in the shade offered by a sapling clinging to the rock.

The Guardian

Ross Martin, a local landscape designer who donates much of his time in this garden, is hard at work on what he calls the Nest, a giant woven wreath of linden and willow branches, about 20 feet in diameter, which lies in the shade of a big willow tree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lying in the shade" to vividly depict a scene of rest or relaxation, especially in hot weather or sunny environments. For example, "After a long hike, they were lying in the shade of a large oak tree."

Common error

Avoid confusing "lying" (to recline) with "laying" (to place something down). Remember, people are "lying in the shade", but chickens are "laying eggs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying in the shade" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, typically serving as a participial phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It enhances the imagery by specifying the location and condition of the subject, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lying in the shade" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe resting or seeking refuge from sunlight. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is frequently found in news and media sources, as well as travel writing, to add descriptive detail and convey a sense of relaxation or relief. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to avoid common errors such as confusing "lying" with "laying". Alternatives like "resting in the shadows" or "lounging in the cool" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resting in the shadows

Replaces "shade" with "shadows", suggesting a slightly darker or more concealed location.

reclining in shadow

Uses "reclining" to emphasize the laid-back posture and "shadow" for a slightly different nuance.

lounging in the cool

Focuses on the temperature aspect of being in the shade, implying relaxation.

cooling off in the shadows

Directly addresses the act of reducing body temperature in a shaded area.

reposing under cover

Highlights the protective aspect of being shielded from the sun.

recovering in the shade

Implies recuperation or rest in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.

basking in shadow

Implies enjoying the absence of direct sunlight, although "basking" usually relates to sun.

idling in the shadows

Suggests inactivity and relaxation in a shaded or darker spot.

sheltering from the sun

Similar to "taking refuge", but highlights the protective aspect of the shade.

taking refuge from the sun

Emphasizes the act of seeking protection from the sun's heat.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lying in the shade" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "reposing under cover" or "reclining in shadow", which offer a more sophisticated vocabulary.

What's the difference between "lying in the shade" and "lying in the sun"?

"Lying in the shade" implies seeking relief from the heat and direct sunlight, while "lying in the sun" suggests intentionally exposing oneself to the sun's warmth.

Is it grammatically correct to say "laying in the shade" instead of "lying in the shade"?

No, "laying in the shade" is grammatically incorrect. The correct term is "lying in the shade", as "lying" refers to reclining, while "laying" means to place something.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "lying in the shade"?

The phrase "lying in the shade" is appropriate in descriptive writing, travel narratives, or any context where you want to depict someone or something resting or seeking refuge from the sun. It is common in "news and media" and "travel" writing.