This is an old post I’ve copied and posted here. ☺️

The difference

between LAY and LIE.
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Did you know it’s incorrect to say “I’m LAYING on my bed”?

Laying vs. Lying (Lay vs. Lie)–What’s the Difference?

You lie down, but you lay something down. Lie does not require a direct object. Lay requires a direct object.

When to Use Lay:
To lay is to set (or otherwise place) something in a resting position. Here are a few examples of lay in a sentence.

1. I don’t like to lay my purse on the floor.
2. The dogs always lay their toys next to their water bowls.
(Notice both of these sentences with “lay” have direct objects — purse and toys.)

How to Use Lie:
A lie is an untruth. However, it’s the verb form of lie that people find difficult to distinguish from lay. The verb lie means to tell a falsehood. Here’s an example of lie in a sentence:

1. Sometimes children lie to get out of trouble.

HOWEVER, lie can also mean to recline or to rest in a flat position.

1. My cat likes to lie by the window where there is sunlight.

‼️ There’s still one more thing you need to know. When you are talking about reclining or resting in a flat position, the past tense of LIE is LAY! — NOT LAID.

Here’s an example: Yesterday, he LAY down to sleep at ten o’clock. Tonight, he won’t LIE down until midnight.

See the image for more information and example sentences!