Learn the difference between laying or lying with simple rules, examples, and grammar tips. Avoid common mistakes in English writing.

The same rules apply to laying and lying (never “lieing”—beware of spelling). The past tense of lay is laid, but be careful with the past tense of lie —there are two options.

To help you understand the difference between laying and lying, just break it down into the forms of language being used. “Laying” is a transitive verb meaning “to place or put something down...

What’s an easy way to remember lay vs. lie? The meat of it really comes down to remembering that lay and laying take a direct object, while lie and lying do not.

Lay is a transitive verb and takes a direct object. Lay and its principal parts (laid, laying) are correctly used in the following examples: He laid (not lay) the newspaper on the table. The table was laid for four. Lie is an intransitive verb and cannot take an object.

Explore the differences between "laying" and "lying" with definitions, examples, and tips to correctly use these commonly confused verbs.

In informal English, lay is frequently used for lie: the book was laying on the table. All careful writers and speakers observe the distinction even in informal contexts

Confused about lying or laying? Learn the difference, usage rules, examples, and avoid common English grammar mistakes easily.

Lying is something you do yourself (or an object does on its own). It means to recline or remain in a flat position. Laying is an action you perform on something else. It means to place or set an object down. If you can ask the question “What are you [word]ing?” and have an answer, use laying.