“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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2 Comments

  1. I always try to explain the correct usage of lie and lay to my dad, and he never understands it. 🙂 Maybe he needs a chart like this one.

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