Layed vs. Laid: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on March 9, 2024
"Layed" is incorrect, while "laid" is the correct spelling. "Laid" refers to the past tense and past participle of the verb "lay," meaning to set down or place something.
Which is correct: Layed or Laid
How to spell Laid?
Layed is Incorrect
Laid is Correct
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Key Differences
Think of "laid" as the past tense of "lay," similar to "paid" from "pay."
Recall "laid" is shorter and simpler, often a characteristic of correct English spellings.
Associate "laid" with common phrases like "laid back" to reinforce its spelling.
Remember "laid" rhymes with "paid," both sharing the "aid" ending.
Use a mnemonic: "I laid the book on the table yesterday."
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Correct usage of Laid
They have layed the foundation for the new building.
They have laid the foundation for the new building.
She layed the blanket on the ground.
She laid the blanket on the ground.
Laid the book on the table.
The hen has layed an egg.
The hen has laid an egg.
He layed his keys somewhere around here.
He laid his keys somewhere around here.
Laid Definitions
"Laid" implies carefully placing something in a specified position.
He laid the tiles with precision.
In a figurative sense, "laid" means to establish a basis or groundwork.
They laid the foundations for a new project.
"Laid" is the past tense of "lay," meaning to put or set down something in a flat position.
She laid the blanket on the grass.
"Laid" can refer to the production of eggs by an animal.
The hen has laid six eggs.
"Laid" is used to indicate the setting out of a meal or tableware.
The table was laid for dinner.
Simple past tense and past participle of lay
(of paper) Marked with parallel lines, as if ribbed, from wires in the mould.
Laid Sentences
He laid his jacket on the chair.
She laid the napkins beside each plate.
After she washed it, she laid the rug out to dry.
They laid the cables for the new network.
The workers laid the bricks carefully to build the wall.
She laid the baby in the crib gently.
The artist laid his brushes and paints out before starting.
He laid his cards on the table, revealing his hand.
They laid out the picnic blanket under the tree.
The committee laid plans for the fundraiser.
The gardener laid mulch around the plants.
She laid the pieces of the puzzle out on the floor.
The carpenter laid the floorboards with precision.
She laid her jewelry in the box.
The teacher laid the tests on the students' desks.
The team laid a strategy for the upcoming game.
She laid the tablecloth on the table for dinner.
The planner laid out the agenda for the meeting.
The farmer laid seed in the field.
They laid a wreath at the memorial.
The librarian laid out the books for the display.
He laid the blanket over the sleeping child.
They laid a trap for the mice.
She laid her hat and gloves on the dresser.
She laid her phone down and went to sleep.
Laid Idioms & Phrases
Laid back
Relaxed or easy-going.
He has a laid-back attitude towards life.
Laid up
Unable to move or get out of bed due to illness or injury.
She’s been laid up with the flu for a week.
Laid bare
Exposed or revealed.
The documentary laid bare the struggles of the community.
Laid waste to
Destroyed or made uninhabitable.
The storm laid waste to the coastal town.
Laid off
Temporarily or permanently dismissed from a job.
Many workers were laid off during the economic downturn.
Laid eyes on
Saw for the first time.
I knew I wanted the house the moment I laid eyes on it.
Laid to rest
Buried after death; also used metaphorically to mean resolved or ended.
They finally laid their differences to rest and made up.
Laid down the law
Established strict rules or guidelines.
The new teacher laid down the law on the first day.
Laid the groundwork
Prepared the basics or foundation for something.
Their early research laid the groundwork for future discoveries.
Laid out
Planned or arranged.
The architect laid out the plans for the new building.
Laid to waste
See "Laid waste to".
Laid the table
Prepared the table for a meal.
She laid the table for dinner, placing every utensil perfectly.
Laid open
Opened up for everyone to see or know.
The autobiography laid open his life’s story.
Laid out in lavender
Prepared or dealt with decisively.
She laid out their plans in lavender, leaving no room for doubt.
Laid to charge
Accused or blamed.
The fraud was laid to charge at his doorstep.
Laid hands on
Physically attacked or touched someone often in a violent manner.
He was arrested for having laid hands on the protester.
Laid on thick
Exaggerated in telling or describing.
He laid on thick his tales of adventure, impressing his audience.
Laid claim to
Declared ownership of something.
Several heirs laid claim to the fortune.
Laid hold of
Grabbed or took control of.
He laid hold of the opportunity and didn’t let go.
Laid siege to
Surrounded and attacked a place.
The army laid siege to the fortress for months.
FAQs
Why is it called laid?
It is called "laid" because it is the past tense and past participle form of the verb "lay."
Which vowel is used before laid?
The vowel "a" is used before "i" in "laid."
What is the pronunciation of laid?
"Laid" is pronounced as /leɪd/.
What is the root word of laid?
The root word of "laid" is "lay."
Which conjunction is used with laid?
Conjunctions such as "and" or "but" can be used with "laid."
What is the verb form of laid?
The verb form of "laid" is "lay."
What is the plural form of laid?
The plural form of "laid" is the same as the singular: "laid."
Which preposition is used with laid?
Prepositions like "on," "down," and "out" are commonly used with "laid."
What is the singular form of laid?
"Laid" itself is both singular and plural as it is a verb form.
Which article is used with laid?
Articles like "the" or "a" can precede the noun that follows "laid."
Is laid an abstract noun?
No, "laid" is not an abstract noun; it is a verb.
Is laid a negative or positive word?
"Laid" is neutral; it is neither inherently negative nor positive.
Is laid a vowel or consonant?
"Laid" is a word, not a vowel or consonant.
What part of speech is laid?
"Laid" is a verb.
Is laid an adverb?
No, "laid" is not an adverb.
Is laid a countable noun?
"Laid" is a verb, not a countable noun.
Is laid a collective noun?
No, "laid" is not a collective noun.
What is a stressed syllable in laid?
In the word "laid," the entire word forms the stressed syllable.
How is laid used in a sentence?
"She laid the book on the table gently."
Is laid a noun or adjective?
"Laid" is a verb.
What is another term for laid?
A synonym for "laid" is "placed."
What is the opposite of laid?
The opposite of "laid" could be "lifted" or "raised."
What is the second form of laid?
The second form is "laid."
How many syllables are in laid?
There is one syllable in "laid."
Which determiner is used with laid?
Determiners like "the," "a," or "my" can be used with "laid."
What is the first form of laid?
The first form of "laid" is "lay."
What is the third form of laid?
The third form is also "laid."
Is the laid term a metaphor?
"Laid" can be used metaphorically but is not inherently a metaphor.
How do we divide laid into syllables?
"Laid" is a single syllable and is not divided.
Is the word laid is imperative?
"Laid" can be part of an imperative phrase, but by itself, it is not imperative.
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
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
