Both, ‘lay’ and ‘lie’ are verbs. Often, people get confused and do not know how to use them correctly.
‘Lay’ is a verb that means to put someone/something in a horizontal position.
Its three forms are, lay(present), laid(past and past participle)
Example: The staff lays the table neatly.
Example: We laid the kittens in the basket.
Example: John was injured. We laid him down on the sofa.
‘Lie” is a verb that means to be in a horizontal position or to move oneself into a horizontal position.
Its three forms are, lie(present), lay(past) and lain(past participle).
Example: I lie down in the afternoons to relax.
Example: John lay down for a while.
Example: The dog has lain at his master’s feet.
‘Lie’ also has another meaning. It is a verb that means the opposite of truth.
Its three forms are, lie(present), lied(past and past participle)
Example: Don’t lie, always speak the truth.
Example: Sarah lied about her university results.
Example: They had lied to us about their trip.
