Meaning

  1. To put something in a flat position so it rests flat.
  2. To establish rules, laws, or principles.
  3. To willingly give something up, especially life, for a cause.
  4. To create or record a track or performance.

Today's Sentences

01

If I lay down, I might fall asleep.

Situation

This one looks comfy.
Test it out!

Sure.
But if I lay down, I might fall asleep right here.

Don’t worry, that’s how you know it’s good!

If I end up napping in the store, it’s coming home with us.

02

Measure and cut tiles to fit before you lay them down.

Situation

Do we just keep going row by row?

Exactly, lay each tile down and press it firmly so it sticks well.

And what about the edges?

You’ll need to measure and cut tiles to fit before you lay them down.
Once everything’s set, we grout the spaces.

Writer's Note

"Lay down" is a transitive, inseparable and separable phrasal verb. Let’s look at the details together.

  1. Transitive - A transitive phrasal verb is a phrasal verb that requires an object (a noun or pronoun) to complete its meaning.
    Structure: "Subject + lay + object + down"
    Example 1: He laid the book down on the table.
    Example 2: She gently laid the baby down in the crib.
    Example 3: They laid the carpet down in the living room.
  2. Inseparable - When the particle and verb are placed together.
    Structure: "Subject + lay down + object"
    Example 1: The government laid down regulations for safety.
    Example 2: The teacher laid down the rules on the first day of class.
    Example 3: The contract lays down conditions for both sides.
  3. Separable - When an object is placed between the particle and the verb.
    Structure: "Subject + lay + object + down"
    Example 1: The workers laid the bricks down carefully to form the path.
    Example 2: He laid his cards down on the table during the game.
    Example 3: She laid the blanket down on the grass for the picnic.

Related words: Abandon, abandon, cut, decree, deposit, dictate, drop, establish, forfeit, impose, ordain, place, prescribe, produce, put, record, relinquish, sacrifice, set, set out, stipulate, surrender, track, yield

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