lay

 There are many different ways to use the word "lay." Perhaps the most common use is similar to the verb "put."

• You can lay those boxes on the floor.
• You can put those boxes on the floor.
• We laid some carpet in the living room.
• We put some carpet in the living room.

You need to use an object after this verb because it’s transitive (a verb that requires an object).

• I laid my cards on the table. The word "cards" is an object.
• Joe has laid out some plans for his new project. The word "plans" is an object.

Here are some other examples for the verb "lay."

• A chicken lays eggs.
• A construction worker lays bricks.
• You can lay a bet if you like to gamble.
• Plans are laid when thinking about the future.
• Responsibilities are laid on our political leaders.
• People lay their hands on things and on other people.
• I can’t wait to lay my hands on the new iPhone.
• A table is laid for dinner. When you put down the plates, the forks, the knives, etc., you are laying the table.

He’s laying some bricks.

He’s a bricklayer.

There are few expressions that use the word "lay."

• He has to lay his cards on the table. (He has to prove that he has something or be honest about something.)
• Lay it on me. (Tell me what you want to say.)

Note: The words "lay" and "lie" are often confused.

Click here to go to the Word of the Day page.

This page was first published on September 1, 2012. It was updated on April 22, 2016.