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lay out — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
lay out
1arrange or plan something2spread things out so you can see them3spend money

Meaning 1 · most common

arrange or plan something

  • lay out sth

to organize, explain, or plan something clearly, often step by step.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She laid out her plan for the new project during the meeting.

A: Can you lay out what we need to do for the assignment?
B: Sure, first we research, then we write the report, and finally we present.

Common mistake

Not: He laid out clearly his argument.

Say: He 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.

More on “arrange or plan something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to lay out your main arguments before you start writing an essay.

Tell it apart

She laid out the plan for us.

  • explained it clearly

She laid out the tools on the bench.

  • spread them out

Goes with

  • lay out + plan
Practice saying this
Next meaning: spread things out so you can see them

Meaning 2

spread things out so you can see them

  • lay out sth

to put objects or items in a neat way so that each one is easy to see or use.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

He laid out all his tools on the table before starting work.

A: Why are your clothes all over the bed?
B: I'm just laying them out so I can decide what to wear.

Common mistake

Not: I laid out them on the bed.

Say: I laid them out on the bed.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'lay them out'.

More on “spread things out so you can see them”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Before my trip, I always lay out everything I need to pack to make sure I don't forget anything.

Tell it apart

He laid the maps out on the floor.

  • spread them out

He laid out the plan.

  • explained it

Goes with

  • lay out
Practice saying this
Next meaning: spend money

Meaning 3

spend money

  • lay out sth on/for sth
  • informal

to spend a significant amount of money on something, often more than expected or with some reluctance.

How oftenRare
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I had to lay out nearly £2,000 for car repairs last month.

A: Did you really lay out all that cash for a new phone?
B: I know, but my old one finally died and I needed it for work.

Common mistake

Not: I laid out £500 for the car.

Say: I laid out £500 on the car.

'Lay out + amount + ON something' (not 'for').

More on “spend money”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some people are unwilling to lay out large sums on insurance, believing it to be unnecessary until a problem arises.

Tell it apart

I laid out a fortune on it.

  • spent a lot

I laid out the parts on the table.

  • spread them out

Goes with

  • lay out + on
Practice saying this
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arrange or plan somethingspread things out so you can see themspend money