Lie vs. Lay

Definitions Lie: To be in a state of rest, to do nothing Lay: Has action to it. Things, are changing. If you can substitute put or place, chances are you use lay.

The action Lie: The subject of the sentence receives the action: The key lies on the table. Lay: The direct object (after the verb) receives the action: Jane lay the key on the table.

Tenses To lie: lie (present), lay (past), lain (with helping verbs such as have,had), lying –My tip: with past tense lay and lain think of stay, stayed To lay: lay (present), laid (past), laid (with helping verbs such as have,had), laying

A comparison charge PresentPastPresent ParticiplePast Participle LayLaidLaying(had) Laid LieLayLying(had) Lain

But watch out for infinitives Infinitives consist of the word “to” plus a verb (in its simplest "stem" form, that is present tense) and function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. She refused to lie down (needs to be present tense)