[Grammar] Laying, lay, lie

Status
Not open for further replies.

BJoeR

Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
They are to die daily, taking up the cross and laying down their lives for one another. Do I have it right? I've been online researching this, I still don't know if I'm using laying properly.
 

Barb_D

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 12, 2007
Member Type
Other
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
Yes. Many natives mess up lie/lay so don't worry that it's giving you trouble.

If you put something else down (even figuratively, as in your life), then you "lay" it.
If the person or thing is immobile on a horizontal surface, then it "lies" there.

I'm going to lie down for a little bit.
Now I lay me down to sleep (first line of a child's prayer - the person is putting themselves on the bed, so even though it's reflexive (done to oneself) it's still lay.)
 

BJoeR

Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
It's very confusing Barb. Thanks - too may lays lying around, lol.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
You are right- you lay down your life.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top