Lie and Lay, Sit and Set, Rise and Raise
The verb lie means “to rest,” “to recline,” or “to be in a certain place.” Lie does not take a direct object.
The verb lay means “to put [something] in a place.” Lay generally takes a direct object.
The verb lay means “to put [something] in a place.” Lay generally takes a direct object.
BASE FORM | PRESENT PARTICIPLE | PAST | PAST PARTICIPLE |
lie | [is] lying | lay | [have] lain |
lay | [is] laying | laid | [have] laid |
EXAMPLES
- Fran’s scrapbook lay on her desk. [The verb lay means “rested” and does not have a direct object.]
- Fran laid the scrapbook on her desk. [The verb laid means “put” and has a direct object, scrapbook.]
Sit and Set
The verb sit means “to be in a seated, upright position” or “to be in a place.” Sit seldom takes a direct object.
The verb set means “to put [something] in a place.” Set usually takes a direct object.
The verb set means “to put [something] in a place.” Set usually takes a direct object.
BASE FORM | PRESENT PARTICIPLE | PAST | PAST PARTICIPLE |
sit | [is] sitting | sat | [have] sat |
set | [is] setting | set | [have] set |
EXAMPLES
- A small gift sat on the table. [Sat means “was in a place” and has no direct object.]
- Morgan set a gift nearby. [Set means “put” and has a direct object, gift.]
Rise and Raise
The verb rise means “to go up” or “to get up.” Rise does not take a direct object.
The verb raise means “to lift up” or “to cause [something] to rise.” Raise usually takes a direct object.
The verb raise means “to lift up” or “to cause [something] to rise.” Raise usually takes a direct object.
BASE FORM | PRESENT PARTICIPLE | PAST | PAST PARTICIPLE |
rise | [is] rising | rose | [have] risen |
raise | [is] raising | raised | [have] raised |
EXAMPLES
- A heron rose into the air. [Rose has no direct object and means “went up.”]
- It raised its wings. [Raised means “lifted up” and has a direct object, wings.]