LAY OR LIE? 1 (ESL)

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

Lay and lie are two of the most commonly confused verbs in English, even among native speakers. The confusion arises partly because the past tense of lie is lay. This exercise practices using both verbs correctly.

READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

Complete each sentence with the form of to lay or to lie that is appropriate.

1. I am going to (lay/lie) down on the couch.✓

2. Last night I (laid/lay) awake in bed, thinking about my life.✓

3. My chickens (laid/lay) 20 eggs yesterday.✓

4. Martha's cat (lays/lies) next to her when she reads.✓

5. Bill (laid/lay) his comb on the counter after he combed his hair.✓

6. The police officer told him to (lay/lie) down his gun.✓

7. Do you plan to (lay/lie) on the grass all day?✓

8. Don't you ever (lay/lie) a finger on him again!✓

9. The snake has (laid/lain) in its aquarium all day.✓

10. I have been (laying/lying) in the sun all day.
✓

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Conversation Questions 1. Do you prefer to lie in on weekends, or are you an early riser? Why?
2. What do you usually do when you need to relax?
3. How do you feel when someone lies to you? How do you usually react?
4. Have you ever had to lay out careful plans for a project or event? How did it go?
5. Have you ever lain awake worrying about something? What was it?

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