We "lay" a pen on the desk, but does the pen "lay" on the desk or "lie" on the desk?
2007-01-30 16:45:39 · 9 answers · asked by sofachickadee 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Because the verb LIE is intransitive, it should never be used with an object. When used in the active voice, the transitive verb LAY must be followed by an object. Note the definitions of these words:
LIE (v.i.) to put oneself in a reclining position; to rest or recline; to remain in a specified place or condition. Principal parts: LIE, LAY, LAIN, LYING.
LAY (v.t.) to place, put, set, deposit; to cause to lie. Principal parts: LAY, LAID, LAID, LAYING
The verbs are confusing to some people because the present tense of LAY is identical with the past tense of the intransitive verb LIE.
2007-01-30 17:00:48 · answer #1 · answered by Fairy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pen lie on the desk.(as the present tense)
The pen lay on the desk(past tense)
2007-01-30 17:00:42 · answer #2 · answered by ROYA R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the pen lie on the desk.
2007-01-30 16:51:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"To lie" means to rest, be at rest, repose, or just exist on or in some place ("the fault lies with the captain, not the crew") or in some condition or position (lie low, lie down). Probably because its past tense is "lay," the word is often confused with ...
... "To lay," meaning to put or place something somewhere (including to bring forth an egg). It takes an object — lay that pistol down, babe — and no form of "to lie" does. (Well, "lie your heart out," but that's another "lie.") .) The past tense of "lay" is "laid," and so is its past perfect tense.
HOPE THIS HELPS.
2007-01-30 16:56:30 · answer #4 · answered by crazeebitch2005 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lie is present tense
lay is past tense
learn your english
so its just LIE on the desk
2007-01-30 16:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by Andrew 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Huckleberry Harrison
2016-05-23 21:57:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The two are often used interchangeably, and yet, they are NOT interchangeable! Technically, you lay anything down, things are lain or laid, but the only thing that lies is a liar!
2007-01-30 16:49:57 · answer #7 · answered by BuddyL 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i cant really explain it. if it sounds right then usesit. i cant explain because it comes natural to me. lay is not past tense though. i know that much. i think they can be used interchangebly in most instances.
2007-01-30 16:54:34 · answer #8 · answered by Koko Butta Kream 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like you stated. Either is correct depending upon where you live.
2007-01-30 16:54:46 · answer #9 · answered by Revenant Hamster 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋