A client wrote recently asking me to explain the difference between lie and lay. The question brought back fond memories.
Although those fearsome verbs used to come up often in classes, no one asks about lie and lay anymore. In fact, my client was asking months after the class and only because she was soon to take a college placement test. She was sure those confusing verbs would appear on the grammar section.
For old time’s sake, here are lie and lay in context.
Lay = to put or to place.
Present tense: Kit lays out the supplies each morning.
Past tense: Jim laid his coat over the chair.
Past participle: We have laid out some excellent plans.
Progressive: The workers are laying new tile flooring.
Lie = to recline, to rest oneself
Present tense: Kit lies down when she isn’t feeling well.
Past tense: Jim lay in the sun too long.
Past participle: The plans have lain on Greg’s desk for a week.
Progressive: This tile is not lying flat.
Although the question doesn’t come up in classes anymore, I don’t assume that people are using lie and lay incorrectly. I believe most people know there’s a distinction, and they aren’t willing to get caught using the wrong form. So they follow the helpful rule "When in doubt, leave it out." Like this:
Kit rests on the couch when she isn’t feeling well.
Jim stayed in the sun too long.
The plans have been on Greg’s desk for a week.
This tile is not flat.
If you have an important exam coming up and would like a grammar rule explained, please write. Otherwise, just know how to get around the rule in case a sharp grammarian is lying in wait to correct you.
