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to lay or to lie |
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Photo by Ryan Snaadt on Unsplash
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UPDATED: JUL 2022
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PROBLEM:
This is very confusing and even native speakers will say or use these two verbs incorrectly.
However, in everyday street English, don't worry about speaking incorrectly. Most people will understand you regardless of which one you use.
In academic or professional English, one has to be more careful and use them correctly.
This is very confusing and even native speakers will say or use these two verbs incorrectly.
However, in everyday street English, don't worry about speaking incorrectly. Most people will understand you regardless of which one you use.
In academic or professional English, one has to be more careful and use them correctly.
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to lay
To lay is to set (or otherwise place) something in a resting position.
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Examples:
- Lay the plate on the table.
- Where do you want me to put your computer? Lay it on my desk.
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to lieLie means to recline or to rest in a flat position.
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Examples:
- I’m sleepy. I'm going to lie down on the sofa for a while.
- Let's go lie on the beach all day!
- If you’re feeling ill, lie down on the couch
THE OTHER LIE:
"to lie" also means an untruth. The verb lie means to tell a falsehood.
EXAMPLE:
Politicians lie all the time.
"to lie" also means an untruth. The verb lie means to tell a falsehood.
EXAMPLE:
Politicians lie all the time.
