What's the difference between lay and lie? and if you had..Tonya has___out in the sun since noon. which one do you use in past tense?
The difference between lie and lay is probably the toughest in the English language.
In your sentence you need the past participle of "lie."
Tonya has lain . . .
Study this site -- and keep it handy.
http://web.ku.edu/~edit/lie.html
OMG thanks!
You're welcome.
But -- please do not switch screen names.
yes ma'am...i just found this website today..sorry..
Welcome! :-)
The difference between "lay" and "lie" can be a bit confusing, as they have different meanings and uses.
First, let's clarify the meanings:
1. "Lay" is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object. It is used to indicate the action of putting or placing something or someone in a horizontal position.
Example: "I will lay the books on the table."
2. "Lie" is an intransitive verb, which means it does not require a direct object. It is used to indicate the action of reclining or resting in a horizontal position without any involvement of an object.
Example: "I will lie down on the bed."
Now, regarding the sentence you provided, "Tonya has ___ out in the sun since noon." Since the action mentioned is about Tonya resting or being in a reclining position without an object involved, the correct word to use in the past tense is "lain."
Corrected sentence: "Tonya has lain out in the sun since noon."
To remember the difference between "lay" and "lie," it may be helpful to note that "lay" involves laying something down, while "lie" involves reclining or resting without an object. Additionally, the past tense of "lay" is "laid," while the past tense of "lie" is "lay" or "lain" depending on the context.