How to Use the Verbs "Lie" and "Lay" Correctly

"Lay" and "lie" are deceptively similar words that have different uses. "Lay" is a transitive verb, that is, it takes a direct object; whereas "lie" is an intransitive verb, i.e., one that doesn't take a direct object. Once you identify whether your sentence includes a direct object, you can determine which of the verbs is correct.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Favorite grammar handbook

1. Use the verb "lie" if your sentence does not include a direct object. A direct object is the part of a sentence or phrase that receives the action of the verb. For example, if Susan kicked the ball, the ball is the direct object. If there is no object or person directly receiving the action of the lay/lie verb, use "lie." Remember that "lie" is a complete action unto itself -- Susan lies down, but she has to lay down a direct object, e.g., her fork.

2. Use the verb "lay" when your sentence does include a direct object. "Lay" is the correct verb when an object in your phrase or sentence directly receives the action of the lay/lie verb. For example, Michael must lay the blanket on the bed; then he can lie on the bed.

3. Memorize or mark a chart of the different tenses of "lay" and "lie" to make sure you always use the correct verb, whether you need to describe an action in the present or past tense. The past tense of "lie" is "lay," and the past participle of "lie" is "lain." For example, Susan lay on the couch yesterday, and Susan had lain on the couch last month. The past tense of "lay" is "laid," and its past participle is also "laid": Michael laid the blanket on the floor, just as he had laid it many times before.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your grammar book for additional rules or exceptions.

References

• Grammar Girl: Lay Versus Lie; Mignon Fogarty; Dec. 17, 2009
• Grammar Tips: The Proper Use of "Lay" and "Lie"