Do you use the words “lay” and “lie” correctly?

Learn to avoid the common mistakes in usage with the words “lay” and “lie.”

Lay (principal parts: lay, laid, laid, laying) means “to put” or “to place.” This verb requires an object to complete its meaning.

Please lay the boxes on the pallets with extreme care.
I laid the message on your desk.
He is always laying the blame on his assistants.
The dress was laid in the box.

Lie (principal parts: lie, lay, lain, lying) means “to recline, rest or stay” or “to take a position of rest.”  It refers to a person or thing as either assuming or being in a reclining position. This verb cannot take an object.

Now he lies in bed most of the day.
The mountains lay before us as we proceeded west.
This letter has lain unanswered for two weeks.
Today’s mail is lying on the receptionist’s desk.

Test: In deciding whether to use lie or lay in a sentence, substitute the word place (placed or placing) for the word in question.  If the substitute fits, the corresponding form of lay is correct. If it doesn’t, use the appropriate form of lie.

I hope this information helps you determine what word to use when writing your next sentence.