Lay vs. Lie: Learn the Key Differences

Lay and lie are two words often interchanged mistakenly in business grammar. This makes sense, because the difference is subtle. Lay versus lie is a topic that challenges both native and non-native English speakers alike! 

This article demystifies the confusion and explains how to use both words correctly in business writing.

Lay and Lie: Definition

Lay has one definition. It means “to place.”

Lie has several definitions. As a noun, it means a falsehood. This is generally clear, but the verb lie can be more confusing. The verb form of lie means both “to recline" and "to tell an untruth.” For our purposes, we are focusing on the verb form of lie that means "to recline."

Now that we have these definitions, let's focus on the lay versus lie debate.

“Lay” or “Lie” - When to Use?

Lay (principal parts: lay, laid, laying) means “to put” or “to place” and needs an object to complete its meaning:

• Please lay the brochures carefully on the desk.
• I laid the two other notes there yesterday.
• The sales manager is always laying the blame on his staff when sales drop.

Lie (principal parts: lie, lay, lain, lying) means “recline, rest, or stay.”

It can refer to either a person or thing as assuming or being in a reclining position. The verb “lie” cannot take an object:

• Now he lies in bed most of the day, sulking about the lost sale.
• The opportunities lay before us.

Confusing, right? Below we explain more about this tricky past tense conjugation.

• This RFP has lain unanswered for days.
• Today’s mail is lying on the receptionist’s desk.

“Lie” and “Lay” Conjugations with Examples and Tense Guide

Tip to use the correct word

Here is an easy tip to check your use of these verbs: substitute the word “place, placed, or placing (depending on grammar structure.)  If the substitute fits, lay is correct. If not, use lie.

Remember: lay = place.

To test this:

• Present tense: I will (lie or lay) down now.
  You would not write, "I will place down now." So, this tells you readily that lay is not correct in this sentence.
  • Correct is: "I will lie down now."
• Past tense: I (laid or lay) the pad on his desk.
  “I placed the pad on his desk” makes sense, so, lay is correct in this sentence: “I laid the pad on the desk.” 
• Past participle: These files have (laid or lain) untouched for days.
  You would not write, “These files have placed untouched for days” so lie is correct: “These files have lain untouched for days.”

Conclusion

We hope this article has clarified for you the difference between lie and lay. When your writing correctly employs these words, it demonstrates a high level of professionalism and polish. If you are interested in exploring other important grammar topics, take a look at our Business Grammar workshop. Improve Your Business Grammar in this online self-paced course.

Lie or Lay FAQs

1. Is it lies or lays?

Use lies when the subject is reclining on its own. 
Use lays when the subject is placing something down.

Here are examples of using lay and lies:

• She lies on the couch.
• She lays the book on the table.
  

2. How to Use “Lay” and “Lie”?

Lie = to recline (no direct object).
I lie down every afternoon.
Lay = to put or place something down (requires a direct object).
I lay the keys on the counter.

3. Is a body lying or laying?

A body is lying.
The body is lying on the bed.
Use laying only if the body is placing something down, which would be highly unusual.

4. Lay, Lie, Lied, Lain: When Do We Use Which?

As a review, here are the main forms:

Lie (to recline)

• Present: lie
• Past: lay
• Past participle: lain
• Present participle: lying

Example: I lie down → Yesterday I lay down → I have lain down before → I am lying down.

Lay (to place something)

• Present: lay
• Past: laid
• Past participle: laid
• Present participle: laying

Example: I lay the book down → Yesterday I laid the book down → I have laid the book down → I am laying the book down.