Lay and lie

Lay and lie

There are three similar verbs that can be confused: lay (regular except for spelling), lie (irregular), and lie (regular).

Lay

Lay is a regular verb except for its spelling. Its forms are:

Infinitive: (to) lay

-ing form: laying

Past: laid

Past participle: laid

Lay means:

i. Place something in a certain position or on a surface.

• Lay the book on the table.
• He laid his hand on my shoulder.

ii. Cause somebody or something to be in a certain state.

• Sprinkle water to lay the dust.
• Lay somebody under an obligation.

iii. Bet money on something.

• I’ll lay you Tk. 500 that she won’t come.

iv. (of birds, insects etc.) produce eggs.

• The cuckoo lays its eggs in other bird’s nests.

Lie (irregular)

The forms of the irregular verb lie are:

Infinitive: (to) lie

-ing form: lying

Past: lay

Past participle: lain

Lie means:

Be down, be/become horizontal. It has no object.

• Don’t lie in bed all day. (NOT don’t lay in …)
• I lay down and closed my eyes. (NOT I laid down…)

Lie (regular)

The regular verb (lie) means: say things that are not true.

• You lied to me when you said you loved me.