From the base form of the verb "lay," we can take the verb phrase "lay out," which means to arrange something according to a plan.

So, what is the correct spelling, laid out or layed out? Since "lay" is an irregular verb, the correct version of this phrase is "laid out," and "layed out" is a recurrent mistake in English grammar.

In order to prevent usage errors, let's check out all you need to know about the correct use of the phrase "laid out."

Should I Write Laid Out or Layed Out?

The only correct way to write this term is "laid out," as "layed out" is wrong and forms part of many common English mistakes.

The Cambridge Dictionary of the English Language defines "lay something out" as "to arrange something on a flat surface."

In this case, "laid out" typically refers to the arrangement or presentation of something in a planned or organized manner. It can be used to describe how objects, plans, or information are strategically placed or organized for clarity, convenience, or visual appeal.

Also, it is important not to confuse "lay" with "lie."  Lie means to recline or be in a horizontal position, as in lying on a bed or lying on the beach.

The difference is that "to lie" is an intransitive verb that occurs mainly within active sentences, whereas "to lay" is used as a transitive verb, appearing mainly in inactive or passive sentences.

Why Do People Use Layed Out Instead of Laid Out?

As mentioned before, "layed out" should never be used in any context. Even so, we can see that many people fall for this and other language errors due to reasons such as the following:

• Spelling Confusion: The confusion may arise from the irregularity of the verb "lay." In standard English, the past tense and past participle of "lay" is "laid," not "layed." People might mistakenly use "layed" because it seems to follow the regular pattern of adding "-ed" to form past tenses.
• Common Spelling Error: Spelling errors are common, and "layed" might be used unintentionally due to habit or lack of awareness of the correct form. It's a frequent mistake that some individuals make without realizing the irregularity of the verb.
• Phonetic Similarity: The similar pronunciation of 'laid' and 'layed' may lead to 'layed' being used, based on auditory perception. This phonetic similarity could contribute to the incorrect usage, especially if individuals are more accustomed to the regular past tense forms ending in "-ed."

How to Use Laid Out in a Sentence

Now that you know that 'laid out' is the correct spelling and 'layed out' is incorrect, it's time to learn how to use it.

Follow these three rules to learn how to use "laid out" in a sentence:

1. Transitive Verb: "Laid out" is a transitive verb phrase, meaning it requires a direct object in a sentence. When using "laid out," you need to specify what is being arranged or organized. For example: "She laid out the documents on the table."
2. Past Tense and Past Participle: "Laid out" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "lay." It describes an action that was completed in the past or a state resulting from that action. For instance: "He had already laid out the tools before starting the project."
3. Arrangement or Presentation: Use "laid out" when describing the act of arranging or presenting something, such as a plan, information, or physical objects. It often implies a thoughtful and organized placement. Example: "The architect carefully laid out the floor plan for the new building."

Laid Out Sentence Examples

Here are some sentence examples about using "laid out" in different sentences:

1. Andrea meticulously laid out the ingredients before starting to cook.
2. The teacher laid out the lesson plan for the entire week.
3. The event coordinator laid out a detailed schedule for the conference.
4. Simon carefully laid out the tools needed for the woodworking project.
5. The designer laid out the blueprints for the new building.
6. The gardener laid out a beautiful arrangement of flowers in the garden.
7. Before the meeting, the CEO laid out the company's strategic goals.
8. The curator laid out the artwork in a visually appealing exhibition.
9. The chef laid out the plates in an artistic display for the fine dining experience.
10. The architect laid out the city plan to optimize traffic flow and green spaces.

Wrapping Up: Is It Laid Out or Layed Out?

As you can see, the correct spelling is "laid out."

"Laid out" is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "lay." It is used when describing the organized arrangement of objects, plans, or information, whereas "layed out" is an error, and its use is never accepted.

The confusion often arises due to the irregularity of the verb "lay," which ultimately leads to the incorrect yet popular variant spelling of this phrase.