to lay that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to lay that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the action of placing something down or establishing a point in a discussion or argument. Example: "I want to lay that concern to rest by providing more information on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

They helped to lay that groundwork, too.

The New Yorker

To "lay" that bet, one would bet that they do not.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Or is it that you disagree that now was a good time to lay that out?

The Washington Post

"Today we join together in common cause," he said, "to lay that fallacy to rest".

The New York Times

"I wouldn't see the school as a place that was going to lay that foundation," he said.

The New York Times

For every angry ghost, there is a ritual for the dead intended to lay that ghost to rest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I try not to get myself to excited, but I'm not going to lie that would be definitely cool.

The Guardian - Music

It is important that indices such as CCI and ECL are utilized at appropriate times of the day, when cows are expected to lie; that is, during the evening time.

Journal of Dairy Science

I'm not going to lie, that is the thing that is going to get you the most in shape.

BBC

You shouldn't have to lie, that's not fair.

Huffington Post

If he continues to lie, that's the end of the interview.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. While versatile, "to lay that" can sometimes sound slightly more formal than simpler alternatives like "to put that".

Common error

Avoid using "to lay that" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to lay that" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often used to introduce a purpose or intention. Ludwig indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and prevalent in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to lay that" is a grammatically correct and versatile infinitive phrase frequently used to establish a foundation or set the stage for something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains, notably in news, media, and academic contexts. While appropriate for diverse settings, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the desired level of formality. Simpler alternatives, such as "to put that", may be more suitable for informal situations. Overall, "to lay that" remains a valuable tool for expressing deliberate planning and preparation in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to put that

This alternative uses a more common verb, 'put', instead of 'lay', making it slightly more informal.

to establish that

Focuses on proving or confirming something, emphasizing validation.

to assert that

Highlights a confident declaration or statement of a particular point.

to demonstrate that

Stresses the act of showing or proving something through evidence or example.

to present that

Implies a formal introduction of an idea or piece of information.

to set forth that

Suggests a structured and detailed explanation of something.

to posit that

Used in academic or philosophical contexts to introduce a theory or idea.

to advance that

Indicates promoting or suggesting an idea with the intention of furthering a discussion.

to submit that

Often used in legal or formal settings to introduce an argument or point.

to propose that

Involves suggesting a plan or idea for consideration or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "to lay that" to describe establishing a foundation, as in "They helped "to lay that groundwork"". It's often used when discussing plans or preparations.

What's a simpler way to say "to lay that"?

Alternatives include "to put that" or to establish that, which may be more suitable for informal contexts.

In what situations is it best to use "to lay that"?

It's most appropriate in formal or semi-formal contexts where you want to emphasize the act of creating a base or foundation for something more significant.

Is there a difference between "to lay that" and "to put that"?

"To lay that" often carries a slightly more deliberate or formal tone than "to put that". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.