Chickens lay eggs, and philosophers lie on the sofa wondering which came first. The answer to that question won't help you know which word to use, but this article will.

The words "lay" and "lie" are similar but not the same. This article will help you understand the differences between the two words, how to pronounce them, and how to use them correctly in both writing and speaking.

Lay vs. Lie: What's the Difference?

The words "lie" and "lay" have similar meanings:

• Lie (pronounced /laɪ/): To be in or put yourself in a horizontal resting position.
• Lay (pronounced /leɪ/): To put someone or something else in a horizontal resting position.

"Lay" is a transitive verb, which means it uses a direct object. "Lie" is an intransitive verb, which means it does not use a direct object.

• You lie down (no direct object).
• You lay something down (direct object needed).

Pronunciation

• Lay: Pronounced /leɪ/ (rhymes with "say")
• Lie: Pronounced /laɪ/ (rhymes with "tie")

When to Use "Lay"

To lay is to set (or otherwise place) something in a resting position. Here are a few examples of "lay" in a sentence:

• I don't like to lay my purse on the floor.
• The dogs always lay their toys next to their water bowls.

How to Use "Lie"

A lie can mean an untruth, but it also means to recline or rest in a flat position. Here are examples of "lie" in a sentence:

• Sometimes children lie to get out of trouble. (untruth)
• The fat cat likes to lie in the sun. (recline)

How to Remember the Difference

Use these mnemonics:

• Lay (L-A): Think "place" (pLAce).
• Lie (L-I): Think "recline" (recLIne).

Usage in Verbal Communication

When speaking, enunciate clearly to avoid confusion. Here are a few tips:

1. Contextual Clues: Use context to clarify. Instead of saying, "I need to lay down," specify, "I need to lay the book down" or "I need to lie down."
2. Conjugation in Speech: Pay attention to the tense:
   • Present: "I lie down every afternoon." / "I lay the book on the table."
   • Past: "Yesterday, I lay down at 10 PM." / "I laid the book on the table."
   • Present Participle: "I am lying on the couch." / "I am laying the book on the table."
3. Practice: Regular practice can help reinforce the correct usage. Practice sentences out loud or with a partner.

Quiz: Choose the Correct Word - Lay or Lie

1. During the meeting, the CEO decided to ___ out the new strategy for the upcoming quarter.
2. After a long day, the accountant needed to ___ down and rest.
3. The lawyer asked the witness to ___ the documents on the table.
4. The designer ___ the blueprints on the desk before the presentation.
5. The programmer always ___ on the couch during lunch breaks.

Examples of Lay and Lie

Here are some examples to help you master the usage:

• "I would like to lie next to him and watch him sleep."
• "Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs." —George Orwell, Animal Farm

Did the examples help you figure out the difference between "lay" and "lie"? If you have mastered this commonly confused pair, try your hand at other tricky words like "loose" vs. "lose" and "entitled" vs. "titled."