Lie, Lay, Lain
English distinguishes lie (recline) from lay (put down), and the confusing forms trip many learners. This guide uses short examples to show each verb's pattern so you can tell them apart in context.
Lie (recline)
Lie means to recline or be in a horizontal position. It does not take a direct object.
| English Form | English Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present | I lie down every afternoon. |
| Past | Yesterday I lay on the beach. |
| Past Participle | I have lain in bed too long. |
| Present Participle | I am lying in the sun. |
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Lay (put down)
Lay means to put something down and requires a direct object.
| English Form | English Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present | I lay the book on the table. |
| Past | I laid the keys here an hour ago. |
| Past Participle | She has laid the plates neatly. |
| Present Participle | They are laying the groundwork now. |
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Lain (past participle of Lie)
Lain is the past participle of lie (recline) and appears with auxiliary verbs like have or had.
| English Form | English Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present Participle | I am lying on the grass. |
| Past | I lay there for hours. |
| Past Participle | I have lain there since noon. |
| Present | I lie down when tired. |
Summary
Use lie / lay for reclining (no object) and lay / laid for placing something (with object). Remember lain is the past participle of lie. Short examples help these differences stick.
Last updated: Tue Sep 16, 2025