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The verb to lay means “to place or to put.” The verb to lie means “to recline.”

Writers are often confused because the present tense of to lay is identical with the past tense of to lie. To avoid confusion, note the tense. Additionally, note that to lay will take an object and to lie will not.

Standard Sentences

He lies on the couch.

You lay on the couch last week.

We have lain on the couch during past illnesses.

I had lain on the couch, but I regained my health.

He lays his keys on the counter.

You laid your keys on the counter last week.

We have laid our keys on the counter every day this month.

I had laid my keys on the counter, but someone removed them.

Lying on the floor during class time is not permitted.

Laying your books on your desk is appropriate.