How to Use Lay Down and Lie Down (Irregular Verbs)

What's the difference between 'lay down' and 'lie down'?

The simple past tense of lay is laid, and the past participle is also laid. The simple past tense of lie is lay, and the past participle is lain.

Definition of lay and lie

• Lay (transitive): to put or place something down gently or carefully
• Lie (intransitive): to assume a horizontal position, to recline

• The past tense of lay is laid.

• The past tense of lie is lay.

Verb forms of 'lay' and 'lie'

Is 'lay' a regular or irregular verb?

Lay is an irregular verb. It does not follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" to form the past tense. Instead, it changes to laid in the past tense and uses laid as the past participle.

Is 'lie' a regular or irregular verb?

Lie is an irregular verb. It does not follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" to form the past tense. Instead, it changes to lay in the past tense and uses lain as the past participle.

When to use 'lay' vs. 'lie'

Use 'lay' (transitive): "Please lay the book on the table." (requires an object)

Use 'lie' (intransitive): "I need to lie down for a while." (no object needed)

Sentence examples with 'lay' and 'lie'

Similar irregular verbs

Synonyms & nearby words

Word origin

From Old English lecgan "to place on the ground (or other surface); place in an orderly fashion," also "put down" (often by striking), from Proto-Germanic *lagojanan.

Practice: 'Lay' vs. 'Lie'

FAQs

Sources

1. 1 Merriam-Webster, definition of lay. Etymology online, origin of lay. Accessed October 23, 2025.