Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Meaning of 'Lay Down'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'lay down' means to establish or propose a rule or principle, or to physically put something down or relax.

Examples in context

After the lengthy meeting, the board laid down the updated company policy.
He laid down his weapons as a sign of surrender and peace.
The principal laid down the law to ensure that everyone knew the school rules.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'lay down' means to establish or propose a rule or principle, or to physically put something down or relax.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

'Lay down' can separate the verb and particle, e.g., 'lay the book down.'

Neutral

'Lay down' is used in both formal or casual contexts.

Transitive

Yes

The verb requires an object, e.g., 'lay down the law.'

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	lay down	They lay down the rules clearly in the meeting.
Past Simple	laid down	Yesterday, the teacher laid down new classroom guidelines.
Present Continuous	laying down	The government is laying down plans for the new policy.
Present Perfect	have laid down	They have laid down the foundation of a new building.

💡 When to Use

Establishing rules or principles

'Lay down' is used when setting a rule or guideline that others should follow for order.

Example: "The manager laid down strict office protocols."

Physically putting something down

When you put something down gently or place it in a resting position, use 'lay down.'

Example: "He laid down his bag on the table."

Expressing relaxation or rest

'Lay down' is used when someone lies down to take a rest or relax from activities.

Example: "After a long day, she laid down to rest."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'lie' instead of 'lay'

❌ Wrong: I will lie down the book.

✅ Correct: I will lay down the book.

💡 Tip: Use 'lay' when an object is involved.

Incorrect past form

❌ Wrong: He lain down the law yesterday.

✅ Correct: He laid down the law yesterday.

💡 Tip: 'Laid' is the past form of 'lay' in this context.

Omitting object with transitive form

❌ Wrong: She laid down early.

✅ Correct: She laid down her book early.

💡 Tip: Always include an object with 'lay down.'

Practice

LAY DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

After the lengthy meeting, the board laid down the updated company policy.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

He laid down his weapons as a sign of surrender and peace.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The principal laid down the law to ensure that everyone knew the school rules.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

establish institute

Antonyms

revoke

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The general decided to ___ his strategy for the invasion."

lied down

lay down

lain down

lays down

"To lay down peacefully is to abandon the chaos of life, allowing wisdom and clarity to guide one's path with tranquility."

In Context

In the early 20th century, amidst the rise of the global war climate, President Woodrow Wilson found himself in a tumultuous era of decision-making. On January 8, 1918, he boldly laid down the Fourteen Points in his address to Congress, proposing principles for peace. These points were ambitious, aimed to lay down a framework for world peace after the First World War. Despite initial skepticism and resistance from other nations' leaders eager for punitive measures against the war aggressors, Wilson pressed on. He envisioned a world where nations laid down their arms in favor of diplomacy and cooperation. During the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Wilson's persistent efforts began to bear fruit as the establishment of the League of Nations, inspired by his Fourteen Points, was discussed. However, as the negotiations progressed, Wilson's vision faced challenges. Political dynamics forced compromises, and not all of his ideas were adopted. Yet, Wilson's actions laid down an enduring legacy, planting the seeds for future international diplomacy. Although the U.S. Senate did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles, leading to the U.S. not joining the League of Nations, Wilson's principles influenced future peace efforts and continue to resonate today.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lay Down

What is the origin of lay down?

The phrase 'lay down' originates from Middle English, where 'lay' signifies placing something down or establishing a rule, evolving over centuries.

Can lay down be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Lay down' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate when discussing setting guidelines in both settings.

What is the difference between lay down and establish?

While both 'lay down' and 'establish' mean setting something firmly, 'establish' is more formal and often used for creating systems or structures.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

LAY DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lay Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega