"Lie down VS Lay down" Flashcards
(2 cards)
Lie down
Lie down” –
Meaning:
To put your body in a flat position on a bed, floor, or other surface to rest or sleep. (No object after it). to recline or rest in a flat position (no object needed)
Explanation:
When you lie down, you yourself are moving into a resting position.
Present tense: lie down
Past tense: lay
Past participle: lain
Examples:
I usually lie down after lunch. ✅
He lay down for a nap yesterday. ✅
She has lain there for hours. ✅
Everyday sentences:
I feel tired; I will lie down for a while.
Please lie down on the sofa and relax.
He lies down every afternoon after lunch.
She lay down on the bed and closed her eyes.
When you are sick, you should lie down and rest.
The baby is lying down in the crib.
After a long day, I like to lie down and watch TV.
He has lain down to take a nap.
Don’t forget to lie down if you feel dizzy.
They lie down on the grass to watch the stars.
Lay down
“Lay down” –
Meaning:
To put or place something down carefully on a surface. (Requires an object after it). to place something down (requires an object).
Explanation:
When you lay down something, you are putting an object in a flat position.
Present tense: lay down
Past tense: laid down
Past participle: laid down
Examples:
Please lay down your weapons. ✅ (object = weapons)
He laid down the book on the table. ✅
She has laid down the rules clearly. ✅
Everyday sentences:
Please lay down your books on the table.
He laid down the keys on the kitchen counter.
Can you lay down the phone? I want to talk.
She lays down the baby gently in the crib.
They laid down the carpet in the living room.
I will lay down my pen before leaving.
The worker laid down the bricks carefully.
He has laid down the rules for the project.
Please lay down your bag here.
The soldier laid down his weapon after the ceremony.
Summary for your students:
Lie down = You rest your own body (no object).
Lay down = You put something down (needs an object).
