lay
verb (needs an object)
to put or place something
“Lay the book on the table.”
Grammar choices
lay vs lie
Lay takes an object (you lay something down); lie does not (you lie down). The past tense of lie is lay, which causes the confusion.
lie
verb (no object)
to recline or rest
“I need to lie down.”
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______ the baby in the crib gently.
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Questions about lay vs lie
What is the difference between lay and lie?
Lay takes an object (you lay something down); lie does not (you lie down). The past tense of lie is lay, which causes the confusion.
How do I remember lay vs lie?
Lay = pLAce (you place an object). Lie = recline. Chickens lay eggs; people lie down.
Are there exceptions?
Forms: lie / lay / lain / lying; lay / laid / laid / laying. "Yesterday I lay in bed" is correct. "Lie" meaning to tell an untruth is lie / lied / lied.
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