One of my pet peeves is the rampant, incorrect use of “laying.”  Let’s examine the difference between these two words.

Obviously, the definition of “lie” which involves fabrication and/or fibbing does not apply here.

If the lowering of your own body is involved, then “lie” is your word.  You lie down for a nap.  Lie down to sleep.  You lie back in a hammock.  If you have too much to drink and pass out in a bar, you are probably lying down on a sticky floor.  This word applies to others, as well.  For instance, John is lying down under his desk to hide from his supervisor.  Are you lying down for this?  She can’t wait to lie down after eating that meal.  That possum will lie down and pretend to die.

“Lay” is used when it’s the object.  One can lay down a book or a pen.  Lay down the knife, until the children stop running through the kitchen.  And here’s one that we’ve all heard from our English teachers:  Chickens lay eggs.

Here’s a link to a fantastic guide that tackles past tense and gives a more complete explanation:  http://www.chompchomp.com/handouts/irregularrules02.pdf

Here’s the kicker:  one of the past tense forms of the verb to lie is actually lay.  If you didn’t read the link above, go back and do it now, as a refresher course on past tense.

As far as present tense, though, here’s a good test for lay vs. lie:

1. Am I a chicken? If yes, then I lay eggs.  If no, then proceed to the next question.
2. Am I putting an object (not my own body) down? If yes, then I may lay it down.  If no, then proceed to the next question.
3. Am I lowering my own body into a reclining position? If yes, then I am lying down.  If no, then I may be asking myself the wrong set of questions.

This is simple, but confounds so many people.  And the misuse is so rampant, that it’s difficult to be right in a wrong world.  But use “lie” at the correct times, and you will set yourself apart from the crowd.