Lie vs. Lay
You will impress your family and friends with your grammar skills if you can distinguish between lie and lay. These words confuse even the best editors, so you pretty much have to memorize a chart and then practice to build your confidence.
Lie vs. Lay Chart
|
|
Present |
Past |
Past Participle |
|
To recline |
lie, lying |
lay |
has/have/had lain |
|
To put or place |
lay, laying |
laid |
has/have/had laid something |
|
To tell a falsehood |
lie, lying |
lied |
has/have/had lied |
Example of to recline in present tense: I lie down for a nap at two o’clock every day.
Same example as above in past tense: I lay down yesterday for a nap.
Same example as above with a participle: I have lain down every day this week.
Example of to put or place something in present tense: The chickens lay eggs.
Same example as above in past tense: The chickens laid eggs.
Same example as above with a participle: The chickens have laid eggs every day this week.
Example of to tell a falsehood in present tense: I am tempted to lie about my weight.
Same example as above in past tense: I lied about my weight when I renewed my driver’s license.
Same example as above with a participle: I have lied about my weight each time I have renewed my driver’s license.
March 30, 2008 at 11:07 am
Your information is useful but still does not answer the basic question. Is the book I laid on the table laying or lying. Is the cup I set near the sink setting or sitting? I would most appreciate having this matter clarified.
March 30, 2008 at 5:37 pm
The book is lying on the table.
The cup is sitting near the sink.
June 10, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I hear people say, “He was laying on the ground.” He is lying on the ground.” Ï have been lying in the bed all day.” Which or any correct?
I don’t see much about laying or lying in the grammar books.
June 11, 2009 at 9:26 am
Correct: He was lying on the ground. I have been lying in bed all day. I have a full explanation on this page: http://www.grammarbook.com/homonyms/confusing-words-3.asp