“Lie” and “lay” may be the most confusing words in the world for writers. As an editor, I see the confusion all the time. I even double check myself sometimes! I hate these words but there’s no way around it.
Here’s how I get it right: I use a chart!
|
I Want to say |
Present |
Past |
|
| To rest/recline | lie | is lying/they are lying
Jack is lying in the cot. The cows are lying in the field. |
lay or has/have lain
Yesterday, I lay in bed with a migraine. He shouldn’t have lain in bed that long.
|
| To put or place down | lay | is laying/they are laying
I’m laying this mug on the counter and leaving. C’mon, they’re laying the pizzas down! |
laid
She laid the book down. |
| To be dishonest | lie | is lying/they are lying
Jack is lying about where he’s been. They’re lying about who was there. |
lied
After I paid, I learned that he lied. |
It’s really confusing. I apologize on behalf of the English language.
-E
