English in Use Lay and Lie

Look at the differences Lay – to put or place Lie – to be in a particular position Lie – to say sth. that is not true

Now look at the table

infinitivelay pastlaid past participlelaid present participlelaying meaningto put or place objectyes

infinitivelie pastlay past participlelain present participlelying meaningto be in a particular position objectno

infinitivelie pastlied past participlelied present participlelying meaningto say sth. that is not true objectno

infinitivelaylie pastlaidlaylied past participlelaidlainlied present participlelayinglying meaningTo put or place To be in a partic. position To say sth. That is not true objectyesno

Examples

Lay The mourners laid the flowers on the grave

Lie The book was lying open on the table

Lie Dont ever lie to me again!

Exercise Complete the sentences with the correct form of appropriate verb – lay, lie, lie

Theres nothing more relaxing than ……… on the beach sunbathing.

Lesly was furious when she discovered her boyfriend had been ……………… to her.

The bricks were …………. one on top of the other.

If youre feeling tired, why dont you go and ……….. down.

The prisoner was forced to ………. in order to protect his family.

Martha ………… her head on the pillow and fell asleep at once.

The businessman was accused of ………… to the investigating committee.

The thrill of being archeologist is finding objects that have ……… buried in the earth for centuries.

Dont spend the afternoon …….. around doing nothing – do something constructive!

The children ………… the table for tea.