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What is the Difference Between 'Lies' and 'Lays'?

Published in Grammar Verbs 3 mins read

The difference between 'lies' and 'lays' boils down to whether the verb requires an object to act upon it or not. In essence, 'lies' describes something being in a flat position on a surface or reclining, while 'lays' means to place something down flat.

Understanding 'Lie' (and 'Lies')

The verb 'to lie' (from which 'lies' is derived as the third-person singular present tense) is intransitive. This means it does not take a direct object. It describes a subject moving on its own or already being in a certain position.

  • Meaning: To be in a flat position, to recline, or to rest.
  • Key Characteristic: Intransitive – it describes the subject's own state or action.
  • Examples of 'lies' in use:
    • "The book lies open on the table." (The book is in that position by itself.)
    • "He always lies down for a nap after lunch." (He performs the action of reclining himself.)
    • "My dog lies at my feet whenever I read."

Understanding 'Lay' (and 'Lays')

The verb 'to lay' (from which 'lays' is derived as the third-person singular present tense) is transitive. This means it always requires a direct object – something that is being placed or put down.

  • Meaning: To place something down flat or to put something in a specific position.
  • Key Characteristic: Transitive – it acts upon an object.
  • Examples of 'lays' in use:
    • "She lays the baby gently in the crib." (She places the baby.)
    • "The construction worker lays bricks one by one." (He places bricks.)
    • "The hen lays an egg every morning." (The hen produces and places an egg.)

Core Distinction: Transitive vs. Intransitive

The fundamental difference, as highlighted, is whether the verb is transitive or intransitive.

  • 'Lies' (from 'to lie'): No object. The subject itself is performing the action or is in the stated position.
  • 'Lays' (from 'to lay'): Requires an object. The subject is performing an action to something else.

Conjugation for Clarity

Confusion often arises because the past tense of 'lie' is 'lay', which is identical to the present tense of 'lay'. Understanding the full conjugation of both verbs is crucial:

Verb Present Tense (Base) 3rd Person Singular Present Past Tense Past Participle Present Participle
To Lie lie lies lay lain lying
(to recline, to be in position) I lie, you lie He/She/It lies I lay down yesterday I have lain there He is lying down
To Lay lay lays laid laid laying
(to place something) I lay, you lay He/She/It lays I laid it down yesterday I have laid it down He is laying bricks

By focusing on whether an object is present or implied, you can correctly choose between 'lies' and 'lays', and their other forms.