Fill in the blanks with lay, lie or laid.
Lay is the past simple form of lie.
Lie is intransitive. It does not have an object.
Lay is transitive. It needs an object.
1............... the books on the table.
Wrong!
Use "Lay" because the meaning is put or place something somewhere.
2The tornado ............... many buildings flat.
Wrong!
Use "laid" as the past form of lay when something puts or knocks objects into a position.
3The members ............... their proposal before the board.
Wrong!
Use "laid" because lay a proposal before a board means formally present it.
4A turtle ............... many eggs at one time.
Wrong!
Use "lays" because an animal lays eggs.
5............... the cartons one on top of the other.
Wrong!
Use "Lay" because the instruction means to put the cartons in position.
6The tiles were ............... in a geometric pattern.
Wrong!
Use "laid" because the passive form of lay is used for things arranged in a pattern.
7It is a mistake to ............... too much emphasis on grades.
Wrong!
Use "lay" in the expression lay emphasis on something.
8............... here until the dizziness goes away.
Wrong!
Use "Lie" because the meaning is recline or rest in a horizontal position.
9The prisoners ............... an escape plan.
Wrong!
Use "laid" in the expression lay a plan, meaning make or prepare a plan.
10She serves as a ............... teacher at the convent school.
Wrong!
Use "lay" as an adjective meaning not a member of the clergy.
11As he was feeling dizzy, he ............... down on the couch.
Wrong!
Use "lay" as the simple past form of lie meaning recline.
12............... still.
Wrong!
Use "Lie" because the command means remain resting or reclining without moving.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Lay the books on the table.
- The tornado laid many buildings flat.
- The members laid their proposal before the board.
- A turtle lays many eggs at one time.
- Lay the cartons one on top of the other.
- The tiles were laid in a geometric pattern.
- It is a mistake to lay too much emphasis on grades.
- Lie here until the dizziness goes away.
- The prisoners laid an escape plan.
- She serves as a lay teacher at the convent school.
- As he was feeling dizzy, he lay down on the couch.
- Lie still.

