Editor’s Corner: Lay vs. Lie Quiz

Posted by: Jack Henry | September 5, 2017

Editor’s Corner: Lay vs. Lie Quiz

We have written previously about the difference between lay and lie (most recently in this post), but it continues to be a popular question.

This week, instead of repeating my earlier explanation, I put together a quiz. First, here are some quick reminders:

The word place sounds as if it contains the word lay. When you’re talking about placing something, use lay.
The word recline sounds as if it contains the word lie. When you’re talking about reclining, use lie.
The past tense of lie is lay.

Here are some recent headlines. For each one, try to decide whether lay or lie is correct.

Tip: If you are having trouble deciding between lay and lie, fill in the blank with place or recline, and see which one makes more sense.

1. City _____ Boulders Beneath I-90 in Downtown Spokane to Shift Homeless to Shelters (The Spokesman-Review)
a. Lays
b. Lies

2. How _____ Hardwood Floors Paved the Way for Thomas Rhett’s Success (KWBE)
a. Laying
b. Lying

3. How to Entertain Your Child While _____ Down (Lifehacker)
a. Laying
b. Lying

4. Keenan Reynolds: "Huge Honor" to Take Part in Wreath-_____ Ceremony (PressBox)
a. Laying
b. Lying

5. Philly Man Protests Gun Violence by _____ in Coffin (WPVI)
a. Laying
b. Lying

6. Vanessa Grimaldi Is "_____ Low" Following Nick Viall Split (Entertainment Tonight)
a. Laying
b. Lying

Answers
1: a. Lays
2: a. Laying
3: b. Lying
4: a. Laying
5: b. Lying
6: b. Lying

Symitar Documentation Services

NOTICE: This electronic mail message and any files transmitted with it are intended
exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The message,
together with any attachment, may contain confidential and/or privileged information.
Any unauthorized review, use, printing, saving, copying, disclosure or distribution
is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please
immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete all copies.

Posted in Articles

Editor's Corner