lay out — spread things out so you can see them
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to put objects or items in a neat way so that each one is easy to see or use.
Say it like a native
Textbook She arranged the photographs systematically on the table.
Native She laid the photos out on the table.
'Lay out' is the everyday verb for spreading things out to see. 'Arranged systematically' is formal.
Pattern: lay out + noun
In use
- He laid out all his tools on the table before starting work.daily life
- Before my trip, I always lay out everything I need to pack to make sure I don't forget anything.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I laid out my clothes for ready.
✓ I laid out my clothes ready for the morning.
'Lay out + things'; 'for ready' isn't English — use 'laid out ready for...'.
Common collocations
lay out— the tools, your clothes, the cards, the food
Don't confuse it
'Lay out' means to arrange things so you can see them, while 'put away' means to store things out of sight.
Related
- lay out (arrange or plan something) — Another meaning of 'lay out' is 'arrange or plan something'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.