Grammar Tips & Articles »

Layout vs. Lay out

This Grammar.com article is about Layout vs. Lay out — enjoy your reading!


2:02 min read
23,893 Views
  Marius Alza  —  Grammar Tips
Font size:

Layout vs. Lay out

"Layout" and "lay out" can easily be confused because they are pronounced perfectly the same and are spelled with the exact same letters. Yet, the fact that they are written differently (one word is split into "lay" + "out") is not a minor difference. In fact, this completely changes the meaning of your sentence.

So "layout" and "lay out" are not synonyms, this is something important to remember. But why, and what does each word mean? It is essential to understand this difference in order to prevent yourself from confusing them. So let's take a closer look!

Layout vs. Lay Out

"Layout" is a noun, whereas "lay out" is a phrasal verb. This is the first and most important detail that makes the difference between these two words. This is why "layout" is one word (one noun), and "lay out" is formed by adding the preposition "out" to the verb "lay", creating an expression that has a specific signification.

When do we use "layout"?

As already established above, "layout" is a noun that defines the way that something looks or is arranged. As a noun, "layout" is always written as one word and should always be used with this meaning only.
Example: What do you think about the layout of this webpage? - as a noun, "layout" is referring to the way that the webpage is arranged/designed.

When do we use "lay out"?

As a phrasal verb, "lay out" carries a different meaning. Firstly, "lay out" defines the action of arranging something on a surface and secondly, it can also be used with the meaning of explaining a situation or decision very clearly, usually in a written form.

Example 1: Please lay out all your products on this table, so I can compare them and decide which one to buy. - a phrasal verb referring to the action of arranging all products on a surface.

Example 2: Please lay out all your concerns on this form and I will present it to our manager later today. - as a phrasal verb, "lay out" can also refer to clearly explaining something.

Conclusion

Don't let yourself confused by the fact that they look and sound very similar. "Layout" and "lay out" are two completely different constructions, with distinct meanings. The first is a noun and the second is a phrasal verb. Remember this in order to use them correctly every time.

Layout vs. Lay out

Rate this article:

Have a discussion about this article with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this article to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Layout vs. Lay out." Grammar.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.grammar.com/layout_vs._lay_out>.

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Check your text and writing for style, spelling and grammar problems everywhere on the web!

    Browse Grammar.com

    Free Writing Tool:

    Instant
    Grammar Checker

    Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and writing -- and it's FREE!


    Quiz

    Are you a grammar master?

    »
    Choose the sentence with correct use of the indefinite article:
    A They adopted a cat last week.
    B Few students have completed their homework.
    C An owl hooted in the dark night.
    D She needs an advice from her friend.

    Improve your writing now:

    Download Grammar eBooks

    It’s now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages.