Lay Past Tense

The past tense of "lay" is "laid."

Lay Past Forms - Exercises

These exercises test different forms of the verb LAY and IRREGULAR VERBS

The Past Tense of "Lay" – Laid

The past tense of "lay" is "laid." Unlike many verbs in English that simply add "-ed" for the past tense, "lay" is an irregular verb.

Base Form	Past Tense	Past Participle
lay	laid	laid

When to Use "Laid"

The verb "lay" means to place something down or put something in a position. It always requires an object (something being laid down).

Here are some examples of how to use "laid" in sentences:

I laid the book on the table (I put the book on the table).
She laid the baby in the crib (She put the baby in the crib).
They laid the groundwork for the project (They set the foundation for the project).

Common Errors with "Laid" and "Lay"

Since "lay" and "lie" are so similar, people often mix them up. Remember that:

"Lay" needs an object (you lay something down).
"Lie" does not need an object (you lie down).

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
I lay the book on the table yesterday.	I laid the book on the table yesterday.
She lay down the keys on the counter.	She laid down the keys on the counter.
They lay their bags on the floor.	They laid their bags on the floor.

Everyday Use of "Laid"

You’ll often hear "laid" in everyday speech and writing when talking about putting items in a specific place:

In Household Situations:

Example: I laid the groceries on the counter.

In Work or Project Discussions:

Example: They laid the foundation for a new project.

When Describing Physical Actions:

Example: She laid her hand on his shoulder for comfort.

Comparing "Lay" and "Lie"

Since "lay" and "lie" are easily confused, here’s a table comparing their forms:

Verb	Base Form	Past Tense	Past Participle	Example
Lay	lay	laid	laid	I laid the book on the table.
Lie	lie	lay	lain	I lay down for a nap.

FAQ

What is the past tense of "lay"?

The past tense of "lay" is "laid."

Is "laid" only used for objects?

Yes, "laid" is used when you place or put something down (an object).

Can "laid" and "lay" be used interchangeably?

No, they have different meanings. "Lay" requires an object, while "lie" does not.

Why is "lay" confusing with "lie"?

They have similar forms, but they follow different grammar rules. "Lay" involves placing something down, while "lie" refers to reclining or resting without an object.

What is the present tense of "laid"?

The present tense of "laid" is "lay."