Lay and lie are two confusing English verbs because their meanings and forms change depending on the tense. We use “lay” when we put something down, and “lie” when a person or animal is in a resting or flat position.
Test your English with this lay vs. lie quiz and improve your grammar by choosing the correct verb to complete each sentence.
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence (1–10).
1) The dog has ___ on that blanket all afternoon.
“Lain” is the past participle of lie, used after has or have to show reclining.
2) They ___ the baby gently in the crib.
“Laid” is the past tense of lay, which means to put something down and always needs an object.
3) She usually ___ her tools on the shelf after use.
“Lays” is the he/she/it + s form of lay, used when someone puts an object somewhere.
4) She usually ___ on the sofa after work.
“Lies” is the he/she/it form of lie, used when someone rests or reclines and there is no object.
5) I found my wallet where I had ___ it yesterday.
“Laid” is the past participle of lay, used with had when someone placed something earlier.
6) He has ___ on the sofa ever since he got home.
“Lain” is used after has or have when someone has been in a resting or reclining position.
7) Let’s ___ everything out before we start packing.
“Lay” is the base form used when putting or arranging objects.
8) She likes to ___ in the hammock on warm days.
“Lie” is the base form used when someone rests or reclines with no object.
9) He ___ the blanket over the sleeping child.
“Laid” is the past tense of lay, used when someone put an object in place.
10) The kids were tired and ___ down to rest.
“Lay” is the past tense of lie, used for reclining in the past.
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