Difference between Lay and Lie

Key difference: The main difference between lay and lie is that lay is a regular verb, whereas lie is an irregular verb.

'Lay' and 'Lie' are two verbs that are often confused due to the similarity in their meanings. However, they are different and used differently in languages.

Lie According to Collins Dictionary.com, the term ‘lie’ is defined as:

To place oneself or be in a prostrate position, horizontal to the ground
To stretch or extend
To be situated
To rest or weigh

The term ‘lie’ is a verb; it is an intransitive verb. An intransitive verb cannot take a direct object.

Lie is a verb of a different nature. It is a verb that often simply means that a thing remains in a state. Lie is often used without an object. Some examples would be:

The keys lie upon the table
Please lie in bed and rest

In general, the sense of resting or relying is common and similar to the definitions of lie. However, the verb lie can also be contextually and conceptually used. For example:

The weight of this knowledge lies heavy on my mind

In the above example, the verb is used in the context of weight; as the weight of the knowledge lies on the mind. However, there is also a completely different usage of the term ‘lie’ which is not related to the term ‘lay’. The term ‘to lie’ is an action of, or to provide a statement that isn’t true with the intention of deceit. Despite its unrelated nature, it is also commonly used.

Lay According to Collins Dictionary.com, the term ‘lay’ is defined as:

To put in a low or horizontal position
To place, put, or be in a particular state or position
To be in a horizontal position
To establish as a basis
To place or dispose in the proper position

The term ‘lay’ is a transitive verb. A transitive verb takes a direct object.

The word ‘Lay’ has many definitions, including its use in idioms. It is generally used as a verb. It also has an external quality. It is usually referred to an action, that is performed on a thing or object. For example:

You might lay your keys on the counter

Here, the action of ‘laying the keys on the table’ takes place and ‘key’ and ‘you’ being the direct objects. However, in some cases, there might be no object, but these cases may require a knowledge which assumes the place of an object. For example:

It is the chicken who lays

Here, it is assumed and implied that the chicken lays ‘eggs’. Also the knowledge of the same fact, that ‘chicken lay eggs’ was used as an object. According to the definition, the reference to 'putting or placing this' might be considered as a stereotypical action verb.

Comparison between Lay and Lie:

	Lay	Lie
Reference	It usually refers to an action that is performed on a thing or an object.	It usually refers to a thing in a state.
Verb	It is a transitive verb.	It is an intransitive verb.
Object	It is used with a direct object.	It is often used without an object.
Tense	Past tense	Present tense
Example	Please lay the book on the table.	I lie on my bed to rest my weary bones.