My Writers Circle

Writing => All the Write Questions => Topic started by: Writermom on December 27, 2009, 08:28:02 PM

Title: Lie, Lay, Laid,
Post by: Writermom on December 27, 2009, 08:28:02 PM

Okay, my question is, how do I know which "lie" to use?  I've always had a problem with using words wrong that sound the same, spelled differently and mean different things.  Is there a trick I could use to help remember which "lie" to use for what?

Title: Re: Lie, Lay, Laid,
Post by: eric on December 27, 2009, 08:53:42 PM

those three verbs are not spelled the same, they do not sound the same, they do not mean the same, but they are irregular.  you need to memorize them.  my grammar ain't what it used to be, but this is right I think:

the following has the present tense, past tense, and past participle:

to lie(tell a lie)=lie, lied, lied.

to lie(down)=lie, lay, lain

to lay=lay, laid, laid

study the meanings in a dictionary.

Title: Re: Lie, Lay, Laid,
Post by: Writermom on December 28, 2009, 08:04:59 AM

thank you