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UWF WRITING LAB RULES OF THUMB FOR LAY, LIE Mini-lesson #99a. From Real Good Grammar, Too By Mamie Webb Hixon. Created by Kathy Conforti Carey Edited by Mamie Webb Hixon January 22, 2012. LAY versus LIE. Which word should you use?
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UWF WRITING LABRULES OF THUMB FOR LAY, LIE Mini-lesson #99a From Real Good Grammar, Too By Mamie Webb Hixon Created by Kathy Conforti Carey Edited by Mamie Webb Hixon January 22, 2012
LAY versus LIE Which word should you use? Do not confuse the transitive verb LAY(which has an object) with the intransitive LIE (which does not).
LAY“TO Put or place something” The principal parts of LAYare lay lays laying laid (has) laid
EXAMPLESOFLAY We will LAY(put down) the new carpet next week.
When LAYING(putting down) tile, you must be careful to get it straight.
Someone has LAID (placed) my keys in the wrong place.
I must have LAID (placed) my brush down somewhere yesterday.
I’m always LAYING (placing) things down and forgetting where I LAID (placed) them.
LIE“TO REST OR RECLINE” The principal parts of LIE are lie lies lying lay (has) lain
EXAMPLES OFLIE Small children should LIE (recline) down for a nap after lunch.
The cicada hoard HAS LAIN (rested) dormant for years, awaiting the right time to strike.
The first command my dog learned was “LIE (recline) down, Spike.”
The robber told the bank tellers and the customers to LIE (recline) down on the floor.
Do not confuse present tense LAY (to place) with past tense LAY (reclined, rested). Though some trained professionals and students claim to have learned that inanimate objects/things cannot lie (rest) – that only people lie (rest) – no such rule exists.
As the following examples will illustrate, both people and inanimate objects may be found LYING (in a resting position): Trees were LYING on the ground after the hurricane.
Let’s Practice! • I (layed/laid) the book on the table yesterday. I LAIDthe book on the table yesterday. • I think I will (lay/lie) down and take a nap. I think I will LIE down and take a nap. • My cat is (laying/lying) in its bed. My cat is LYING on its bed.
More Practice! • The book is (laying/lying) on the table. The book is LAYINGon the table. • I (lay/laid) around all day yesterday. I LAY around all day yesterday. • You’re (laying/lying) on my blanket. You’re LYING on my table.