As a class, we have already reviewed different verb tenses, [past perfect, present progressive, etc.], but sometimes verbs have irregular forms. This means that they do not follow the standard grammar rules for verbs.
The irregular verbs LIE and LAY take on new forms depending on the tense. First, let's look at the definitions of lie and lay:
lay: (v.) to put or place something down
ex: Marcus lay the book on his kitchen table.
lie: (v.) to rest or recline
ex: Dana's bed always smells like dog because Trusty, her golden retriever, always lies there.
Once you know the meaning of the verb you want, the next task is to pick the correct tense:
to lay (to put/place) : lay(s) [present], laid [past], laid[past participle], laying [present participle]
to lie (to rest/recline) : lie(s) [present], lay [past], lain[past participle], lying [present participle]
Here are some examples from Woe is I by Patricia T. O'Conner:
"lie (to recline): She lies quietly. Last night, she lay quietly. For years, she has lain quietly.
lay (to place): She lays it there. Yesterday she laid it there. Many times she has laid it there" (64).
As a class homework exercise, post two original sentences [one for lay and one for lie] on this blog by selecting "comments" in the bottom-right corner below, and typing your sentences into the comment box.
Gifts of Grammatical Gab
Why did Missy probably deserve that "C" in English class?
27 comments:
Melissa Bandstra
I like to lie in the grass.
She lay her bag down on the ground.
When Bob gets in trouble, he lies and blames it on someone else.
When Greg organizes his work, he lays out all of his papers in separate piles of different topics.
I lay the binder on the desk for English class.
After the long track meet I need to lie down on my bed to rest.
Courtney Chernin
Shannon went home to lie on her bed.
Frank laid his shirt on his bed.
My father lay the newspaper on his desk.
Cara will lie in her own bed tonight for the first time since she left for her camping trip.
Lay: His Mom said, "You don't look well, please rest and lay down!"
Lie: "Hurry Lie down so i can preform the surgery!" said the doctor
I laid the shopping bags down because they were so heavy.
I lay down on my bed when i have headache.
He lay the eggs on the ground
I like to lie on the ground in the winter.
lay: She laid the book down on the table.
lie: She lied down to take a nap.
I lie in my bed thinking of what i am going to do today.
Kalyn lay her backpack down so that she could play and run around with her friends.
After Bob stayed up all night, he wanted to lie in bed.
He lay the blanket on the bed.
I lie down after my tiresome soccer game.
My mom lay down the pencil down on the table.
I watched my dog find a comfortable spot to lay down.
I love to lie on the soft sand from the beach.
katie m.
lay: Peter lay the piece of paper down before he left for soccer.
lie: I like to lie on my bed whenever i start to get tired.
She lays the ball on the rack.
Judy lied on the ground because she didn't want to make her bed.
The man lied to Kevin that the car was $30,000, but it was really $20,000.
I lay my research paper on Mrs. Kaser's desk. When I got it back, I received a 100
Last night i lay on my bed waiting to go to sleep.
When Jimmy didnt do his homework, he had to lie to his teacher.
At night I lie down in my bed and go to sleep.
I lay my backpack down on the table so I can see it easily.
Johnny laid the pencil near his test when he finished.
Bob enjoys lying in the autumn leaves, while his sister rakes them.
The teacher told us to lay on the floor.
As a result of telling a lie, Mary got suspended for not telling the principle the Jim was being bullied.
I lay my books on my desk once i get home
When I go to sleep I lie down in my bed
Matt Goldstein
I wanted to lie down, but I couldn't because I was in math class.
When setting the table, Bob went to lay the knife on the napkin, but his mom told him he was wrong.
Rob G
When I go to sleep at night I lie my head down on my pillow.
I like to lay my perfect essay on the kitchen counter, so everyone can see it.
Russell Flagg
I lay my backpack on the ground everyday.
I lie on my bed at night when I am tired.
Over the weekend he will lie on the grass.
He lay the laptop on the desk so it will not break.
The candy that lies on the forest floor is the path back to home.
Mike lays his homework out on the desk everyday.
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