This morning I had a very involved conversation with my best friend about the verbs lay and lie. This is one of those grammar rules that I learn every year, but it never seems to stick. So, I looked it up, for the hundredth time; I was still shocked to see the answer.
The website where I found my answer gave a great anecdote that might help you remember. It Said:
Do you think it sounds weird, or am I just really out of touch with my grammar rules? Will you ever listen to that song in the same way? :)
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I lie on the bed.
Yesterday, I lay down after work. (what?)
I have, in the past, lain down.
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I lay the book down on the desk.
Yesterday, I laid the book down.
I have, in the past, laid a book down.
I love Eric Clapton, and his song Lay Down Sally can actually help you remember the difference between lay and lie... To say “lay down Sally” would imply that someone should grab Sally and lay her down. If he wanted Sally to rest in his arms on her own, the correct line would be 'lie down Sally.'
Do you think it sounds weird, or am I just really out of touch with my grammar rules? Will you ever listen to that song in the same way? :)
