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TinyPixie Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Laying or lying

Hi there! I am a little confused with these two words - laying and lying.

*He complains of pain while lying (laying) on the left side?*

Could you please explain which word I should use in the above sentence and why?

Thank you!
  

Top answer

" The verb "to lay" is transitive. You lay an egg , or lay a package down. The verb "to lie" is intransitive.

— Avangi

  • " The verb "to lay" is transitive.
  • You lay an egg , or lay a package down.
  • The verb "to lie" is intransitive.
  • You recline, or lie down.
  • " You just do it.
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4 Answers
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Use "lying."

The verb "to lay" is transitive. You lay an egg, or lay a package down.

The verb "to lie" is intransitive. You recline, or lie down.

It's like the verb "to smile." You just do it. He's unable to talk while smiling.

He complains of pain while tying his shoe. "Tying" is transitive like "laying." it needs an objec
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Hi Avangi,

I'm sorry to interupt. I happened to come across "he found himself laying on a beach near....". Should it be "lying" instead?

Thank you.

Tinanam
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tinanam0102Hi Avangi,

I'm sorry to interupt. I happened to come across "he found himself laying on a beach near....". Should it be "lying" instead?

Thank you.
Tinanam
Yes, it should. It's a very, very common mistake, even among native speakers.
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Hi Grammar Geek,

Thank you for your help.

Tinanam
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