YET: to lay or to lie

to lay or to lie

UPDATED: NOV 2022

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.

YET: YOUR ESL TEACHER - TO LAY

to lay

To lay is to set (or otherwise place) something in a resting position.

EXAMPLES:

Lay the plate on the table.
Where do you want me to put your computer?
Lay it on my desk.

YET: YOUR ESL TEACHER - TO LIE

SOFA and COUCH the same.

to lie

Lie means to recline or to rest in a flat position. Many times used with "down".

EAMPLES:

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 too much.