Lay vs. Lie: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 26, 2023
Lay refers to place something down. Lie refers to recline or to tell an untruth.
Key Differences
Lay is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. Lie is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not need a direct object. Lay is about placing something, while lie is about reclining.
The past tense of lay is laid. The past tense of lie (recline) is lay. Lay becomes laid; lie becomes lay. This can cause confusion, as the past tense of lie mirrors the present tense of lay.
Lay in the present participle form is laying. Lie in the present participle form is lying. One deals with action (laying), and the other with a state of being (lying).
The past participle of lay is laid. The past participle of lie (recline) is lain. These forms are used in perfect tenses. Lay remains consistent, but lie changes to lain.
The word lay has multiple meanings, including "to prepare" or "to spread out." Lie can also mean "to tell a falsehood." The contexts greatly differ; lay often implies physical action, while lie can imply a state or an act of dishonesty.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Transitive verb
Intransitive verb
Meaning
To place something down
To recline or to tell an untruth
Past Tense
Laid
Lay (for reclining)
Present Participle
Laying
Lying
Past Participle
Laid
Lain (for reclining)
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Lay and Lie Definitions
Lay
To establish or assert.
He lays claim to the property.
Lie
To remain inactive.
The car lies unused in the garage.
Lay
To prepare or arrange.
She lays the table for dinner.
Lie
To be in a horizontal position.
He lies on the bed.
Lay
To put or set down.
He lays the book on the table.
Lie
To be situated.
The lake lies to the north.
Lay
To spread out.
Lay the map on the floor.
Lie
To have a base or foundation.
His theory lies in solid research.
Lay
To impose or apply.
The judge lays a fine.
Lie
To tell an untruth.
She lies about her age.
Lay
To cause to lie down
Lay a child in its crib.
Lie
To be or place oneself at rest in a flat, horizontal, or recumbent position; recline
He lay under a tree to sleep.
FAQs
Is lay transitive or intransitive?
Lay is transitive.
Does lay have other meanings?
Yes, lay can mean to prepare, spread out, or impose.
What is the past tense of lie (recline)?
The past tense of lie (recline) is lay.
What is the past participle of lie (recline)?
The past participle of lie (recline) is lain.
What is the past participle of lay?
The past participle of lay is laid.
Can lie be used with an object?
No, lie (recline) doesn’t take an object.
Is it correct to say "I have lain on the bed all day"?
Yes, it's correct.
Can lay be used without an object?
No, lay needs a direct object.
Is lie transitive or intransitive?
Lie is intransitive.
Does lie have other meanings?
Yes, lie can also mean to tell an untruth.
Is it correct to say "I am going to lay down"?
No, it should be "I am going to lie down."
Is "The book was laid on the table" correct?
Yes, it's correct.
Can lie be used for placing something?
No, lie is for reclining or telling an untruth.
What is the present participle of lay?
The present participle of lay is laying.
What is the past tense of lay?
The past tense of lay is laid.
Can lay mean to tell a falsehood?
No, that's a meaning of lie.
How do you use lay in a sentence?
Example: She lays the book on the table.
How do you use lie in a sentence (recline)?
Example: He lies on the bed.
What is the present participle of lie (recline)?
The present participle of lie (recline) is lying.
Does the past tense of lie (recline) and the present tense of lay sound the same?
Yes, they both are pronounced "lay."
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
