Lay Vs. Lie

“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

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