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LIE versus LAY

Do you know the difference?

(That’s okay—barely anybody does)

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The difference is in the actions!

  • LIE:
    • Done BY the thing/person itself
    • Including reclining
  • LAY:
    • Done TO something/someone ELSE
    • To put or to place

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Examples

  • When you are done, LAY the book back on the table.

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  • When you are tired, you should LIE down.

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  • “The truth LIES in your dreams,” said Obi Wan.

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Things get tricky with the PAST TENSES

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Examples

  • I hope I will not LIE awake for too long because I drank too much coffee.

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  • Last night, I LAY awake for hours because I could not sleep.

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  • I could have LAIN awake for even more hours had I not finally relaxed.

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It’s evil!!!