lay/set the table

[angliholic]

I want you to lay/set the table before I finish cooking.


Are lay and set interchangeable in the above? Thanks.

[baqarah131]

In English North America, only "set the table" would be correct.

cheers
edward

I want you to lay/set the table before I finish cooking.


Are lay and set interchangeable in the above? Thanks.

[angliholic]

Thanks, Edward.
Got it.

[BobK]

In English North America, only "set the table" would be correct.

cheers
edward

But in BE, 'lay' is equally admissible. Incidentally, though, one set of cutlery laid out is called a 'setting' (not a laying)]

I've heard people (native speakers of English) working in fast-food outlets using another verb:'put the table'. But this is certainly not colloquial in any dialect of English I've ever heard; I presume it's Hispanic in origin, from the expression 'poner la mesa'.

b

[angliholic]

Thanks, Bob.
Got it!

[baqarah131]

This is interesting to me, as an Anglo.
"Lay" may be falling into disuse in this sort of context, in Canada and USA, because it has acquired a sexual meaning.

thanx
edward

But in BE, 'lay' is equally admissible. Incidentally, though, one set of cutlery laid out is called a 'setting' (not a laying)]

I've heard people (native speakers of English) working in fast-food outlets using another verb:'put the table'. But this is certainly not colloquial in any dialect of English I've ever heard; I presume it's Hispanic in origin, from the expression 'poner la mesa'.

b