"Lie" Versus "Lay"

A lot of English speakers today

Have difficulty with "lie" and "lay."

When we are talking about reclining,

"Lie" is the word that we're defining.

Your English teacher might give you a frown

If you say, "I am going to lay down."

"I'm going to LIE down" is what it should be.

"Lay" requires an object, you see.

Confused, people often ask why

"Lay" has to be the past tense of "lie."

That is partly what makes us confused

And also explains why the words are misused.

"All day last Monday I LAY in my bed."

But people will slip and say "laid" instead.

Remember, the past tense of "lay" is "laid":

"I LAID my coat on the bench in the shade."

Silly example I know; I'm just trying

To make a point. And NO, I'm not lying.

Now when you are using "lying" and "laying,"

The same rules apply. Do you hear what I'm saying?

"She's LYING on top of the quilt right now."

"We're LAYING our coats on the bed." Somehow,

With just a little effort we'll get it,

And it won't confuse you if you don't let it.

 

-by Bob B (10-1-21)

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

A wonderful and educational piece of art Bob. This was such a fun read, especially for someone like me who (or is it whom) is an abuser of misuse of words. Perhaps a serial killer of bad syntax as well. My English Lit teacher would often cringe when I handed him my homework. And I would often hear him grumble, "Omg I'm going to have to buy another bottle of Alka Seltzer after reading this." I so miss being a massive hemorrhoid on my poor teacher's bum. Had he been more poetic and witty in his style of teaching perhaps my short attention span would have been more on him than "or is it Then" picking the boogers from my nose. Thank you again my friend for this entertaining read.

[Bob B]

I don't think you misuse words at all. You have an enviable command of the language.