Lay, Lie, Laid and Lain

(grammar > grammar features > lie vs. lay)


Lay and lie are two different verbs that mean different things. Lie is a complete verb. It is an action taken by someone or something. Lay is transitive verb, which means it requires at least one object. It is something that happens to an object, such as books, eggs, a body or a box of doughnuts.

Focus on the fact that the lay verb requires an object when deciding which verb to use. Humans and chickens can both lie in the sun but only chickens can lay eggs in the sun.

Lie Verb Forms: Lie (present) Lying (present participle) Lay (past) Lain (past participle)

Lay Verb Forms: Lay (present) Laying (present participle) Laid (past) Laid (past participle)

Lay vs. Lie Chart

Here's a lay vs. lie chart:

Lay vs. Lie Chart


Here are some examples:

Present Tense Present Participle Past Tense

Here the verbs get confusing because the past tense of lie is lay, which as you know has the same spelling and pronunciation as present tense of the other verb. Note also that the past tense of lay is laid not the sometimes incorrectly used layed. Past Participle Grammar Monster has a bunch more examples here. You can test your knowledge with the Lay Versus Lie Quiz from Grammar Girl.

Here's a helpful video about the topic from Schmoop with multiple examples. Watch it while you are lying on the couch.