should be laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be laid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the proper placement or arrangement of something, often in a passive construction. Example: "The foundation should be laid before the walls are constructed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bets should be laid.

The New Yorker

There are two misconceptions that should be laid to rest.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, in reality, no teacher should be laid off.

The New York Times

We argue that an emphasis should be laid upon a neat development architecture.

Future Generation Computer Systems

The sol solution should be laid aside for several days to coat YBCO films well.

Proceedings of the Twentieth International Cryogenic Engineering Conference (ICEC20)

Any doubts on that score should be laid to rest at the outset.

Cornell University

I think that this is where it should be laid to rest.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is an unspoken rule in entrepreneurial culture that your look should be laid back".

The New York Times

In his supposed interview with Seddon, Quantrill recommended, "Kansas should be laid waste at once".

The New York Times

Fordyce's "Sermons," she tells Lucy, should be laid open on the table.

The New Yorker

Strict criteria should be laid down for the organic-food industry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be laid", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being laid and where it should be placed for maximum clarity. For instance, "The foundation should be laid according to the blueprint."

Common error

Avoid using "should be laid" when an active construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The blame should be laid on the manager", consider "The manager should be blamed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be laid" primarily functions as an auxiliary verb phrase combined with a passive verb. It expresses a recommendation, obligation, or expectation concerning the placement or arrangement of something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be laid" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction, according to Ludwig. It serves to advise or instruct on the proper placement or arrangement of items or ideas. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, academia, and general instructional content. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, writers should be mindful of the potential for more direct active voice constructions. When it comes to more advanced applications of the term "should be laid" you can check real-world examples through Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be situated

Synonymous with "should be placed" but perhaps slightly more formal.

ought to be placed

Replaces "should" with "ought to", implying a moral obligation or expectation, maintains a similar degree of formality.

needs to be set

Emphasizes the necessity of an action, differing slightly in tone from a simple recommendation.

needs to be located

Expresses a need or requirement for something to be in a certain place.

must be positioned

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or requirement, suitable for situations where adherence is critical.

has to be situated

Similar to "must be", indicating a high degree of necessity or inevitability.

must be arranged

Suggests a requirement for proper arrangement or organization.

is required to be put

Formal and emphasizes a regulatory or mandatory aspect.

is necessary to be located

Highlights the essential nature of the action or placement, with a slightly more formal tone.

is advised to be positioned

Implies that is a recommendation, usually from an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "should be laid" in a sentence?

Use "should be laid" to describe an action that is advised or recommended, often related to placement or arrangement. For example, "The groundwork "should be laid" before construction begins."

What is a more formal way to say "should be laid"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "ought to be placed" or "must be positioned". These options convey a stronger sense of obligation or necessity.

When is it better to use an active voice instead of "should be laid"?

In situations where clarity and directness are crucial, using an active voice construction is often preferable. For example, instead of "The blame "should be laid" on the company", you could say "The company should be blamed".

What does "should be laid to rest" mean?

The idiom "should be laid to rest" means that something (like an argument or a rumor) should be ended or put to rest, often permanently. Example: "Any doubts on that score "should be laid to rest" at the outset."