where it lies

USAGE SUMMARY

"where it lies" is a grammatically correct phrase.
You can use it in a variety of contexts. For example, you could say: "I can't remember where it lies, but I'm sure I put it somewhere safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Christof Koch, a University of California neuroscience best know for his work on consciousness, said we could speculate but ultimately we don't know where it lies beyond the brain, its physical basis.

The New York Times

Who knows what necrotic vapour winds through the square of light above where it lies on the path, but black ants are already prospecting its corpse.

The Guardian

Ile119 is a strongly conserved residue in the L1 domain of the alpha subunit of the insulin receptor, where it lies in the central beta sheet of the fifth strand, its side chain directed inwards towards the core of the L1 domain, and substitution for methionine is predicted to alter packing within the barrel (Fig.  1b, c).

Diabetologia

Yet no one really knows where it lies.

The New York Times

Let us, therefore, put the blame where it lies.

The New York Times

And that's more or less where it lies.

The New Yorker

"That is where it lies, the strength of the club and of the team.

Independent

There is a limit to what Greeks will tolerate, but nobody knows where it lies.

The Economist

Together they extend from the testis to the urethra, where it lies within the prostate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He maintains that the environment should be preserved right where it lies.

The New York Times

If the professional critics have any value in this current world, that is where it lies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "where it lies" with synonyms like "its location" or "its position" for more concise writing when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "where it lays" instead of "where it lies". The verb "to lay" (lays, laid, laying) requires a direct object, while "to lie" (lies, lay, lain, lying) does not. For example, it's correct to say "the book lies on the table", not "the book lays on the table".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "where it lies" functions as an adverbial relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by specifying a location or position. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources to illustrate its correct application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "where it lies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that acts as an adverbial relative clause, specifying location. According to Ludwig, it appears most often in news, science and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can be replaced by simpler alternatives like "its location" or "its position" for conciseness. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is crucial to avoid the common mistake of using "where it lays" instead. Use "where it lies" confidently to provide clear and precise locational information in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where it is located

Focuses on the physical location or position.

where it's situated

Emphasizes the placement or setting of something.

its location

A more concise way to refer to the place of something.

its position

Highlights the arrangement or posture of something.

its whereabouts

Refers to the general area or vicinity of something.

where it rests

Implies a state of being at ease or stationary.

the spot it occupies

Emphasizes the space or area taken up by something.

its placement

Highlights the act of putting something in a specific spot.

the area it covers

Focuses on the extent or range of something.

its disposition

Refers to the arrangement or order of something.

FAQs

How can I use "where it lies" in a sentence?

You can use "where it lies" to specify a location or position. For example, "The monument is located in the Navajo Reservation, "where it lies" on the northwestern flank of Navajo Mountain."

What is a simple alternative to "where it lies"?

A simpler alternative is "its location" or "its position". For example, instead of "the treasure is hidden where it lies", you could say "the treasure's location is secret".

Is it ever correct to say "where it lays" instead of "where it lies"?

No, "where it lays" is generally incorrect unless "it" is actively placing something. "Lays" requires a direct object. It's best to use ""where it lies"" when referring to something's location.

Which is the right term, ""where it lies"" or "wherein it lies"?

"Where it lies" simply indicates the location of something. "Wherein it lies" is a more formal or literary way to express that something is contained or exists within something else.