B1
lie vs lay
Lie (lie, lay, lain) has no object: you lie on the bed. Lay (lay, laid, laid) needs an object: you lay something down. The past of lie is lay, which is why people mix them up.
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| lieverb/laɪ/ | Meaning to be or put yourself in a flat position on a surface (lie, lay, lain) | Goes with — | Example I lie on the sofa after lunch for a few minutes. |
| layverb/leɪ/ | Meaning to put something down carefully in a flat position; also to produce eggs | Goes with lay eggs | Example Can you help me lay the table for dinner? |
Which word fits?
1 of 8Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
The book open on the table.