The New York Times | October 15, 2023
"Construction crew lays final section of new high-speed rail track connecting major cities."
Lay vs. Lie
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
'Lie' means to recline or rest - it's something you do yourself. 'Lay' means to put or place something down - it requires an object being placed.
I want to lie down for a nap, but first I need to lay the baby in her crib.
A Deeper Look
'Lie' is what you do yourself - when you or something else is resting or reclining. Nothing is being placed - you're just getting comfy!
Present: I lie down when I'm tired Past: Yesterday, I lay down for a nap Present continuous: I'm lying on the beach
The cat loves to lie in sunny spots.
'Lay' is what you do to something else - you're putting or placing something down.
Present: I lay the book on the table Past: I laid my keys somewhere Present continuous: She's laying the table for dinner
Please lay your coats on the bed.
Common Usage Patterns
Lie
Present: lie, lies | Past: lay | Past Participle: lain | Present Participle: lying Common uses: lie down, lie in wait, lie still
Lay
Present: lay, lays | Past: laid | Past Participle: laid | Present Participle: laying Common uses: lay the table, lay eggs, lay foundations
Key Patterns
Remember: lie (reclining) rarely takes an object, while lay (placing) always needs one
What Teachers Say
"In academic writing, I see so many students write 'I laid down' when they mean 'I lay down'. The trick is to ask yourself if you're placing something somewhere."
-- James, Manchester
"Native speakers often get this wrong too. Focus on whether there's an object being placed - that's when you need 'lay'."
-- Amanda, Vancouver
"When students learn phrasal verbs like 'lay out' and 'lay off', they often find it easier to understand the placing aspect of 'lay'."
-- Robert, Melbourne
From The Headlines
The Daily Telegraph | June 24, 2016
"Ancient shipwreck lies undisturbed on Mediterranean seabed after 2,000 years."
The Sydney Morning Herald | March 8, 2011
"Researchers discover rare parrot species that lays eggs in hollow logs."
Test Yourself!
1. Please _______ the plates on the dining table.
2. The cat has _______ in that sunny spot all afternoon.
3. Yesterday, I _______ down for a nap while my daughter _______ her toys away.
