What does the phrasal verb “lay out” mean?

What are the definitions of “lay out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Spend money.

  They LAID OUT thousands of pounds on their wedding reception.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lay out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lay out is to spend money on something, especially a large amount. It often refers to spending money on a specific event or item.

What are the different verb forms of “lay out”?

Root Verb	lay out
Third Person Singular Present	lays out
Present Participle	laying out
Simple Past	laid out
Past Participle	laid out

Example

They lay out a lot of money on their new car.

Example

She lays out a significant amount for her designer clothes.

Example

He is laying out a lot of money for his dream vacation.

Example

They laid out a fortune on their wedding reception.

Example

A large sum of money has been laid out for the renovation project.

What kind of phrasal verb is “lay out”?

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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 out” 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

She laid out a lot of money for her new phone.

Example

They laid out a fortune on their wedding reception.

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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 out” 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

She laid out a lot of money for her new phone.

Example

They laid out a fortune on their wedding reception.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lay out”?

Lay out a plan

To explain or present a plan or idea in an organized and clear manner.

Example

The manager laid out the new marketing strategy during the meeting.

Lay out a design

To arrange or organize the elements of a design, such as in graphic design or architecture.

Example

The architect laid out the blueprint for the new building.

Lay out clothes

To place clothes in a specific order or arrangement, usually in preparation for wearing them.

Example

She laid out her outfit for the next day on the bed.

Good things to know

Does “lay out” have an informal or formal tone?

Lay out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “lay out”?

Synonyms

• spend
• expend
• invest
• disburse
• allocate
• pay out
• use up

Antonyms for {keyword}

• save
• conserve
• preserve
• retain
• keep
• hold back