How to Use "Lay" and "Lie"

The difference between "lie" and "lay" is a grammar problem that often stumps even the best of English teachers. It's important to tackle this one step at a time to prevent repeating the mistake in your writing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with the present tense uses of "lie" and "lay," which are the easiest uses to comprehend. Most people get confused with the uses of lay and lie when referring to setting something down or reclining. The best way to remember which one to use is to remember that "lay" requires a direct object and "lie" does not. So, you lie down (no direct object here), and you lay the newspaper down on the table (the newspaper is the direct object here).

2. 

   Remember that the past tense of "lie" is "lay" and the past tense of "lay" is "laid". Yes, it's incredibly confusing already. But here are some sample sentences to help you remember: "Yesterday, I lay down on the futon." "I laid the book on your desk last night."

3. Use "lain" as the past participle of lie, and "laid" as the past participle of lay. Here are some sample sentences:"I have lain on the futon for several days." "I have laid the book on your desk."

Tips & Warnings

• Refer frequently to a chart created by Grammar Girl, the online grammar expert, which makes it easier to sort out the difference between "lie" and "lay."

Resources

• Grammar Girl

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