What is the difference between Lie and Lay?

b2-upper-intermediate

Lie

verb

Definition

To be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a supporting surface.

Examples

I am going to [lie] down.

The cat likes to [lie] in the sun.

He [lies] on the sofa to watch TV.

Lay

verb

Definition

Put down, especially gently or carefully.

Examples

[Lay] the book on the table.

She will [lay] the baby in the crib.

The workers will [lay] the carpet tomorrow.

Tags

similar-spelling sound-similar overlapping-meaning

Practice Quiz

Question 1: I need to ___ down for a while.

lie lay

Question 2: Please ___ the plates on the table.

lie lay

Question 3: Which sentence is correct?

The chickens lie eggs. He is laying on the bed. Just lay down and rest. She laid the blanket on the grass.

Question 4: What is the past tense of 'lie' (to recline)?

lied lay lain laid

Question 5: Yesterday, the dog ___ in the sun for hours.

lay laid

Question 6: The workers are going to ___ the new carpet tomorrow.

lie lay

Question 7: Which sentence is incorrect?

I laid the book on the desk. He has lain there for hours. She was laying on the sofa. Go lie the table for dinner.

Question 8: The treasure has ___ hidden for centuries.

lain laid

Question 9: Before she left, she ___ her keys on the counter.

lay laid

Question 10: Which verb means 'to put something down'?

lie lay

Quiz Answers

Q1: lie

Q2: lay

Q3: She laid the blanket on the grass.

Q4: lay

Q5: lay

Q6: lay

Q7: Go lie the table for dinner.

Q8: lain

Q9: laid

Q10: lay

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