What are the definitions of “lay into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise angrily.
His partner LAID INTO him when he arrived two hours late..
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lay into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lay into is to criticize someone angrily. It is used when someone expresses their anger or disappointment towards another person by pointing out their mistakes or faults.
What are the different verb forms of “lay into”?
| Root Verb | lay into |
| Third Person Singular Present | lays into |
| Present Participle | laying into |
| Simple Past | laid into |
| Past Participle | laid into |
Example
She laid into him for not doing his share of the housework.
Example
He lays into his employees when they make mistakes.
Example
She is laying into her friend for being late to the party.
Example
The coach laid into the team after their poor performance.
Example
He had laid into her for not finishing the project on time.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lay into”?
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 into” 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 teacher laid into the student for not doing his homework.
Example
She laid into her husband for forgetting their anniversary.
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 into” 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 teacher laid into the student for not doing his homework.
Example
She laid into her husband for forgetting their anniversary.
Good things to know
Does “lay into” have an informal or formal tone?
Lay into is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or informal settings. It is not appropriate for formal situations or professional writing. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms such as 'criticize' or 'reprimand' instead.
