Meaning trap
lay out
arrange or plan something
to organize, explain, or plan something clearly, often step by step.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to organize, explain, or plan something clearly, often step by step.
Another meaning of 'lay out' is 'spread things out so you can see them'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- She laid out her plan for the new project during the meeting.study
- In my opinion, it's important to lay out your main arguments before you start writing an essay.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: lay out + noun
WrongHe laid out clearly his argument.
RightHe laid out his argument clearly. / He laid his argument out clearly.
Keep 'lay out' together before the object, or put the adverb at the end — not between.
Patternlay out + noun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Lay out' is the natural verb for setting something out clearly. 'Delineates in comprehensive detail' is overblown.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
lay out + planthe planyour casethe optionsthe steps
Don't confuse it
'Lay out' can mean to explain or organize, while 'set out' often means to start a journey or task.
Related
- lay out (spread things out so you can see them) — Another meaning of 'lay out' is 'spread things out so you can see them'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.