Two words frequently confused and used incorrectly in conversation are lie and lay. Webster’s Dictionary will give you very detailed definitions of both words. I will give you brief definitions to help you remember when to use each word properly. You may still want to take a look at the dictionary to understand all the proper uses of these words so you don’t embarrass yourself in a professional or social setting.
Lie means to assume a horizontal position. “I’m going to lie down and take a nap.”
Lay means to put or set something down. “Please lay the book on the table.”
Lay is also the past tense of lie. “I felt a cold draft as I lay there earlier.”