What are the definitions of “lay down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Establish rules or procedures.
The rules of the sport were LAID DOWN early in the nineteenth century.
- 2Kill, murder.
He got LAID DOWN in a turf war about supplying drugs.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lay down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lay down is to establish rules, procedures, or guidelines. It is often used when talking about creating laws, setting standards, or defining principles.
What are the different verb forms of “lay down”?
| Root Verb | lay down |
| Third Person Singular Present | lays down |
| Present Participle | laying down |
| Simple Past | laid down |
| Past Participle | laid down |
Example
The company lays down strict guidelines for employee conduct.
Example
She lays down the rules for her children to follow.
Example
The government is laying down new regulations for the industry.
Example
The teacher laid down the classroom rules on the first day of school.
Example
The principles of the organization have been laid down since its inception.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lay down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lay down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The coach laid down the team's strategy.
Example
The committee laid down the criteria for the award.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lay down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The coach laid down the team's strategy.
Example
The committee laid down the criteria for the award.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lay down”?
Lay down one's life
To sacrifice one's life for a cause or for others.
Example
The soldier was willing to lay down his life for his country.
Lay down one's arms
To stop fighting or surrender in a conflict.
Example
The rebels were asked to lay down their arms and negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Lay down the law
To assert authority and make rules or demands clear.
Example
The manager laid down the law, stating that no one could take vacation during the busy season.
Good things to know
Does “lay down” have an informal or formal tone?
Lay down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as legal documents, official speeches, or academic writing.
