When writing and speaking, people often misuse the words lie and lay. Lie is an intransitive verb meaning "to recline or rest," while lay is a transitive verb-a verb that takes a direct object-meaning "to put or place." The forms of the words are very similar but have distinct differences. Follow the steps to learn use the words lie and lay correctly.
Instructions
Use Lie Correctly
1. Use lie when meaning to rest in a horizontal or flat position. "The book lies on the table beside the bed."
2. Use when meaning to stay in a position of inactivity. "The soldiers lie in ambush."
3. Use when meaning to be placed, situated, stretched out or extended. "The land that lies before us reminds me of the land lying along the coast where I used to live."
4. Use when meaning to be found, located or buried in a certain place. "Charlotte's ancestors lie in the family plot on the hill."
5. Conjugate the correct form of the verb. The past tense of lie is "lay," the present participle is "lying," and the past participle is "lain."
Use Lay Correctly
6. Use lay when meaning to set down or put or place in horizontal position. "She lays the backpack beside the door when she gets home from school."
7. Use when meaning to place in proper position or to place along or under a surface. "Our team's task is to lay bricks and the other team's task is to lay the foundation."
8. Use when meaning to present for consideration, to make a claim or to attribute. "The attorney laid the case before the jury, laying blame on the defendant."
9. Use when meaning to bury. "They laid him in the old cemetery."
10. Conjugate the verb properly. The past tense of lay is "laid," the present participle is "laying," and the past participle is "laid."
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