comparison
Use lay and lie correctly in present and past tense without memorizing grammar tables.
Lie means recline and does not take a direct object. Lay means place something and requires an object.
Past tense of lie is lay. Past tense of lay is laid. This overlap causes most mistakes.
If you can answer "lay what?", use lay. If not, use lie.
Use this quick matrix to compare core words in this guide and jump directly into deeper lookup pages.
Example sentences pulled from our lexical corpus to show natural context.
lay
Fan letters lay in a heap on the desk.
lie
People who will lie for you, will lie to you.
lain
This is the first time I've ever lain on this grass.
laid
The streets are laid out quite well.
Usually yes unless you laid something down. For reclining, use "I lay down.".
It is "lain" as in "I have lain awake.".