Lay and lie are frequently confused words. In present tense, lay means to put or set something down (and it requires a direct object). For example:
· Every morning I lay the student manuals on the desks before class starts.
Lie means to be, to stay, or to assume rest in a horizontal position; it does not require a direct object. For example:
· Every afternoon I lie on the hammock.
Things get tricky with past tense because lay is the past tense of lie.
· Examples in past tense:
o When I taught the class, I laid out the manuals before class started.
o I lay on the hammock after class.
· Examples with a participle (has, have):
o I have laid the student manuals on the desks.
o I have lain on the hammock every day this week.
Don’t worry if you are still a little confused. Here’s a chart from the Purdue Owl to help you remember.
Jackie Solano | Technical Editor | Symitar®
8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.542.6711 | Extension: 766711
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