Welcome back, everyone! It’s been a while. Today’s tip focuses on these confusing verbs: lie, lay, sit, set, rise, and raise. I am guilty of using these words in the wrong context on occasion. They can get very tricky because of their similar meanings and frequent misuse in colloquial speech.
Perhaps the trickiest on the list is the lie/lay distinction, so we’ll tackle that first.
The word lie, at least in the context of this discussion, means to rest or recline. “Lay” means to place or put. Before considering the rest of your sentence, determine which you are trying to say. Did x, y, or z rest or recline? If so, this is the word you’ll use. If not, lay is probably the right choice, but don’t get these mixed up when writing or speaking in the past tense.
Here’s a chart to clarify before we go on. Notice how “lay” is the past tense of “lie” as well as the present tense of “lay.” This is why it is critical to pinpoint from the start which verb you need to use.
One way to determine which word is appropriate for your sentence is to look for a direct object in the sentence. The direct object answers what is receiving the action of the verb in a sentence. In a sentence WITHOUT a direct object, you will always use “lie/(is) lying/lay.” In a sentence WITH a direct object, you will always use “lay/(is) laying/laid.” When considering direct objects, remember that they will never be within a prepositional phrase.
Ex. “The book is lying on the table.” There is no direct object in this sentence. “The table” is located within a prepositional phrase and does not count as a direct object.
Ex. “Lay the book on the table.” “The book” is the direct object in this sentence because it answers what is laid on the table.
The remaining pairs, Sit/Set and Rise/Raise follow the same pattern of rules as Lie/Lay.
Here’s another chart.
For “sit” and “rise,” follow the same pattern as “lie.” These words do not take a direct object in their sentences.
Ex. “Sit down on the chair.” There is no direct object because “the chair” is within a prepositional phrase.
Ex. “Set the book down on the chair.” “Book” is the direct object because it is receiving the action of the verb “set.” “Chair” is still part of a prepositional phrase.
Ex. “I rise from bed at six.” There is no direct object because “bed” is within a prepositional phrase.
Ex. “Raise the curtains when you get out of bed.” “Curtains” are the direct object because it describes what is receiving the action of the verb “raise.” “Bed” is still within a prepositional phrase.
So, to determine which word is appropriate for your sentence, consider the nuances in definition of the two words in the pair, and then search for direct objects and prepositional phrases.
Here’s a quick reference chart for using these words.
With these distinctions in mind, I wish you happy writing! Comment or email with questions or anything you’d like to add to the discussion.
–Amanda Marsico
Editor, Proofreader, Red Ink Enthusiast
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Red Ink Enthusiast™ 
Wow, I must do this all the time. Especially the INCORRECT ****It is laying on the table.**** I didn’t ever think I should be asking “Well WHAT is it LAYING?” If I can’t answer that question, I guess I’m using it wrong, it should be lying. Thanks this was a really good one!!
I’m glad to hear it’s so helpful! I was doing it all wrong before writing this article, too. Thanks for reading.
Boy did I need this one…especially your first example! Thanks!
No problem. Glad it’s so useful! Thanks for reading.
Thank you for pointing these out – I frequently have problems with some of these words, and it’s nice to have a reminder. Much appreciated!
So glad to help! Thanks for reading 🙂