needs to be laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be laid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that requires being placed down or established, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The foundation for the new project needs to be laid before we can proceed with construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He needs to be laid to rest".

The New York Times

The groundwork for that process needs to be laid through the winter, he says, in order to forestall another season of fighting next spring.

The New York Times

Set next to the rest of his output that's not unfair, but any notion that they're not good records needs to be laid to rest.

The Guardian - Music

The focus on procedures has led to a mind-numbing trail of paper that needs to be laid before you get anywhere near a classroom.

The Guardian

Still the full story needs to be laid out before the public of how this money roundelay worked — from contractor to lawmaker, with the American taxpayer always footing the bill.

The New York Times

But even if compromises are made during the installation, the exhibition still needs to be laid out and sign-posted so that the story is intelligible to the average viewer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It's this area when the foundations need to be laid for real domestic resource mobilisation.

The Guardian

The pipe still needed to be laid and the roof for the reservoir still needed to be constructed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Demi expects that half of the employees will need to be laid off in order to modernize the company.

The New York Times

This might be all too depressing for you, but sometimes these things need to be laid bare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several materials are available, but most of them are in the form of sheets and need to be laid on an open wound surface.

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "needs to be laid" with stronger verbs like "must establish" or "should position" for added emphasis and clarity when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be laid" in overly casual situations where simpler verbs like "place" or "put" would suffice. Overusing formal phrasing in informal contexts can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be laid" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity or requirement. It highlights the obligation to place, establish, or present something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be laid" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, indicating the necessity of placing or establishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts, as indicated by its prevalence in news, science, and formal business writing. Alternatives like "must be placed" or "should be positioned" can provide nuanced emphasis, but the core meaning remains consistent. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what requires being laid or established. With a source quality score of 82 and expert rating of 4.5, this phrase holds substantial credibility and utility in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be established

Focuses on the mandatory nature of creating or setting up something.

must be placed

Emphasizes obligation or necessity in placing something.

has to be set

Highlights the obligation to establish or set something up.

should be positioned

Suggests a recommendation or best practice for placement.

requires placement

Focuses on the necessity of the act of placing.

should be presented

Indicates a recommended method of showing or offering something.

demands arrangement

Emphasizes the need for a specific order or layout.

is important to position

Highlights the significance of placing something strategically.

is essential to establish

Highlights the importance of setting up or creating something.

is required to present

Emphasizes the necessity of showcasing or introducing something.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be laid" in a sentence?

The phrase "needs to be laid" is used to indicate that something requires placement or establishment. For example, "The foundation for the new project "needs to be laid" before construction can begin".

What are some alternatives to "needs to be laid"?

Alternatives include phrases like "must be placed", "has to be set", or "should be positioned", depending on the specific context.

Is "needs to be laid" formal or informal?

"Needs to be laid" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for professional and academic writing but might sound slightly out of place in very informal conversation.

When should I use "needs to be laid" instead of "should be placed"?

Use "needs to be laid" when emphasizing the necessity of establishing something, such as a foundation or groundwork. Use "should be placed" when suggesting a recommendation for where something ought to be.