to lay on

USAGE SUMMARY

"to lay on" is correct and used in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean to add or impose something onto someone, such as responsibility or criticism. For example, "The boss laid on extra duties for the summer employee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drivers LOVE to lay on their horns.

Huffington Post

You may want only one colour way to lay on.

WikiHow

To lay on her some of the gospel of 4F.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's why I used to lay on these huge parties.

The Guardian - Arts

"I just wanted to lay on the couch".

The New York Times

A chef tells him to lay on the salt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kendall's not going to lay on the floor.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm just happy to have a bed to lay on".

The New York Times

That may seem like a lot to lay on a little-known musical.

The New York Times

He told me to lay on my stomach and play with my brother's electric train set.

Independent

Although homes are supposed to lay on activities every day, I hardly ever saw any happening.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to lay on", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean to physically place something or to impose something intangible like blame or responsibility. The meaning can shift based on the surrounding words.

Common error

A common mistake is using "lay" when "lie" is appropriate. "Lay" requires a direct object (e.g., "to lay the blanket on the floor"), while "lie" does not (e.g., "to lie on the beach"). Be mindful of whether you are placing something or reclining.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to lay on" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object when used in the sense of placing something. It also serves as a verb phrase indicating the act of imposing or attributing something, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to lay on" is a versatile expression used to describe both the physical act of placing something and the more abstract act of imposing or attributing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The key is to ensure clarity in context to avoid confusion between the literal and figurative meanings. It is crucial to differentiate "lay" and "lie", with "lay" requiring a direct object. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wikis, suggesting a neutral register. Remember to consider these nuances for effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to impose upon

Focuses on the act of placing something burdensome on someone.

to apply liberally

Highlights generous application, often of a substance or quality.

to pile on

Emphasizes accumulation or increase, often in a negative context.

to heap on

Similar to 'pile on' but can also imply generous praise or blame.

to add extra

Stresses the act of supplementing something with additional elements.

to ascribe to

Implies attributing a quality or characteristic to someone or something.

to burden with

Specifically refers to the act of adding a weight or responsibility.

to lavish on

Suggests bestowing something generously or excessively.

to inflict upon

Highlights the act of causing something unpleasant to be experienced.

to contribute to

Focuses on the act of providing or adding to something existing.

FAQs

How can I use "to lay on" in a sentence?

You can use "to lay on" to mean to physically place something on a surface, as in "He told me to "lay on" my stomach", or to impose something, as in "They decided to "lay on" extra responsibilities".

What does "to lay on" mean?

"To lay on" can mean to physically place something on a surface. However, it's often used to mean to impose or apply something, such as pressure, responsibility, or charm. The context determines the specific meaning.

Which is correct: "lay on" or "lie on"?

Both "lay on" and "lie on" are correct, but they have different meanings. "Lay on" means to place something, while "lie on" means to recline on something. For example, "Lay on the salt" (place salt) versus "lie on the couch" (recline on the couch).

What are some alternatives to "to lay on" when meaning to impose something?

When "to lay on" means to impose, you can use alternatives like "impose upon", "ascribe to", or "burden with" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.