Lay vs Lie

The difference is whether there's an object.

LIE — to recline; no object. I lie down.
LAY — to put something down; needs an object. I lay the book on the table.

Quick tip: you lay a thing (lay = place); you lie by yourself. (Confusingly, the past of “lie” is “lay” — which is exactly why everyone mixes them up.)

Question 1

I need to ___ down for a while or drink some coffee, but not both at the same time.

lie

lay

Question 2

Please ___ the sleeping goat gently on the sofa.

lay

lie

Question 3

My cat likes to ___ in the sun and think about how to open the refrigerator.

lie

lay

Question 4

Every day after work I undress, my clothes on the bed, and then down on them and fall asleep.

← All quizzes