Lie Lay Lain | Usage | Words | English

This short guide explains the difference between lie (to recline) and lay (to put something down), with clear examples and important signal words.

Lie (to recline)

The verb lie means to recline or rest yourself, and it does not take a direct object. Its forms are lie / lay / lain.

Examples

Signal Words

Signal words for lie often relate to time or place, such as there, down, still, and specific times.

Which of these signal words most strongly suggests the verb 'lie' (to recline)?

put

carefully

still

package

Lay (to put something down)

The verb lay means to put or place something and requires a direct object. Its forms are lay / laid / laid.

Examples

Signal Words

	Now, I lay the cup on the nightstand.	Present time signal.
	I have laid the clothes on the chair.	Perfect aspect signal.

Summary

Remember: use lie when no object is involved and the subject reclines, and use lay when an object is placed down. Practice with signal words and contextual clues to fix the difference.

Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025