The words lay and lie are often confused. There are several confusing word pairs in English. This exercise tests your ability to use these words correctly.
Complete the following sentences.
1. Sam has …………………… on the bed all morning.
a) lain
b) lied
c) laid
2. Alice says that she has already ……………………….. the table.
a) lain
b) lied
c) laid
3. The books were …………………………. on the table.
a) lain
b) lied
c) laid
4. This time tomorrow I will be ……………………. on the beach.
a) lying
b) laying
c) lieing
5. While ………………………… in bed, I had an idea.
a) lying
b) laying
6. She always ……………………… her books neatly on the table.
a) lays
b) lies
c) lains
7. Don’t …………………… in bed all day.
a) lie
b) lay
8. I …………………….. down and closed my eyes.
a) lay
b) lie
c) laid
d) lied
9. I must be ……………………. weight.
a) losing
b) loosing
c) lousing
10. Did you ……………………. cricket yesterday?
a) practice
b) practise
Answers
1. Sam has lain on the bed all morning.
2. Alice says that she has already laid the table.
3. The books were laid on the table.
4. This time tomorrow I will be lying on the beach.
5. While lying in bed, I had an idea.
6. She always lays her books neatly on the table.
7. Don’t lie in bed all day.
8. I lay down and closed my eyes.
9. I must be losing weight.
10. Did you practise cricket yesterday?
