Perhaps my favorite past writing tip is the one that answers the question “Why Bob Dylan & Snow Patrol Aren’t Grammarians; Why Sophie B. Hawkins & Bon Jovi Are,” and today, we’re going to take that “lay” vs. “lie” conversation a step further. Are you ready for this?
Of course, you recall that one lies down (the subject taking the action) or one could lay down a rug (the direct object having something done to it). Now, what happens if this laying and lying happened yesterday?
Suddenly, Bob Dylan’s “Lay, Lady, Lay” is perfectly grammatical! Nonsensical, perhaps, but indeed grammatical. If Bob Dylan somehow is telling this lady to time travel and attempt the actions of yesterday all over again, this “lay” might work. Confusing? Sure. Am I trying too hard? Maybe. Let me elaborate.
- The past tense of “lie” is “lay.” (Leave it to the English language, I know.)
- The past tense of “lay” is “laid.”
Thus, right now, that lady can lie down. Yesterday, she could lay down.
Right now, I could lay down my laptop. Yesterday, I laid down my laptop.
Do you see the difference?
To finish the past tense puzzle:
- The past participle of “lie” is “lain”—as in, “I have lain on the couch for too long.”
- The past participle of “lay” is “laid” (just like the past tense)—as in, “I had laid it out so clearly.”
I hope that clears that up for those of you commenting that I left my first “lay” vs. “lie” post incomplete. Only 145 tips later, problem solved!
Happy writing, everyone!
P.S. – I should also note the inner-grammarian tendencies of One Direction. (These are the things that make me happy)