ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lay out

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford Archaic General-service

phr. v.. to arrange something in a clear way or to explain something in detail.

phr. v.. to place or arrange something in an orderly manner; to present information systematically; transitive phrasal verb with particle 'out'.


SIMPLE

She laid out the plan for the meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher laid out the lesson plan before class began.

COMPLEX

The architect laid out the blueprints for the new building with meticulous attention to detail.

Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
lay + out + object
Usage

typically followed by a direct object, such as items being arranged or information being presented.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'lay' (to place something) and 'set out' (similar but more formal); 'lay out' implies organisation or explanation.

Pitfall

He lay the clothes on the bed.He laid out the clothes on the bed.the particle 'out' is required for the phrasal verb meaning; omitting it changes the meaning to simple placement.

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