Meaning trap
lay out
spread things out so you can see them
to put objects or items in a neat way so that each one is easy to see or use.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to put objects or items in a neat way so that each one is easy to see or use.
Another meaning of 'lay out' is 'arrange or plan something'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: lay out + noun
WrongI laid out them on the bed.
RightI laid them out on the bed.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'lay them out'.
Patternlay out + noun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Lay out' is the everyday verb for spreading things out to see. 'Arranged systematically' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
lay outthe toolsyour clothesthe cardsthe 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.