1724 problem verbs iii lay and lie

Lay and Lie

It means to put something in a flat or
horizontal position.
This verb always has an object.
It is an irregular verb: lay, laid, laid.

It means to be in or move into a
horizontal position on a surface.
This verb never has an object.
It is an irregular verb: lie, lay, lain.
Present participle: lying

The baby sitter laid the baby on the
table to change his nappies .

The mechanic was lying on his back
underneath my car.

NB: When it means “not to tell the truth”, lie is a regular verb. Example: Both witnesses
lied to the police about what happened in the accident.

Complete the following sentences with lay or lie in the
correct form and tense.
1. How long have these books been …………… on the floor?
2. Sally told her dog to …………… down.
3. Mary …………. her head on John’s shoulder and smiled.
4. This pottery has …………. buried in the earth for a thousand years.
5. Ben found his papers …………. on the floor when he came into his office.
6. The police let the criminal ………… where he had fallen.
7. These bricks have been …………. very badly.

8. The prisoners were ordered to ………….. down their arms.
9. The mayor …………….. the foundation stone of the new school.


10. They told the doctor that she had been ………….. motionless for two hours.
ANSWER KEY
1. lying
2. lie
3. laid
4. lain
5. lying
6. lie
7. laid
8. lay
9. laid
10. lying