Confusing “lay” and “lie” (and the various forms they take) is a common mistake I encounter as I’m editing, so I thought I’d post a reminder of how these work.
To “lie” is to recline. LIE = recLInE.
The couple should lie on the warm sand and enjoy themselves.
The husband and wife lie on the warm sand together.
The wife lies relaxingly on the warm sand while her husband tests the water.
Yesterday, they also lay on the warm sand.
For years, they have lain next to one another on warm beaches just like this one.
Today they are lying on a blanket because the sand is too warm.
To “lay” is to place. LAY = pLAce.
They are going to lay the pepperoni on the pizza last.
They always lay the pepperoni on the pizza as the final step before the oven.
The husband lays the pepperoni on the pizza this time.
The wife laid the pepperoni on the pizza last time.
Each of them has laid pepperoni on pizza many times.
The husband is laying the pepperoni on the pizza as his wife watches.
You’ll notice that “lay” sometimes shows up in both meanings, but just remember that when “lay” means to place, it’s always followed by what’s being placed.
Then of course there’s also “lie” as in to fib.
His wife is never going to lie to him.
She never lies to him.
She is never lying to him.
She never lied to him.
She has never lied to him.
That’s all for today. Happy writing and editing!
Timothy