Lie down or Lay down: Which one is Correct?

“Lie down” and “lay down” are both correct grammatical phrases of the English language that are used in different contexts. This question is basically related to the different uses of “lie down” and “lay down”.

Lie down or lay down: which is correct?

It will be wrong to just say that “lie down” is correct and “lay down” is incorrect. Both the phrases can stand correct depending on what someone is trying to convey. We use “lie down” when we are not using a direct object. But we use “lay down” when we have a direct object that the word is acting upon.

Simply put, “lie” is intransitive and does not require a direct object to perform on. On the other hand, lay is a transitive verb that will always require a direct object. That basically means that you lie down but lay something down. “Lay” is used when we put something on a flat surface. But “lie” is used when something is already in a position or can move itself.

For example:

• I want to lie down on the sofa. (Intransitive)
• Can you lay down your phone when you are with us? (Transitive; direct object-phone)
• I think she wants to lie down. (Intransitive)
• Please, lay down the book on the table. (Transitive; direct object-book)

The only confusion between the two phrases that can occur is when their past forms are used. The past tense of lay is laid, but the past tense of lie is lay. So, “lie down” and “lay down” can also be the present and past forms of the same thing.

Lie down in a Sentence

• Lie down on the bed and take a nap.
• The doctor told me to lie down and rest for a while.
• I was so tired that I just wanted to lie down and close my eyes.
• She told her dog to lie down and stay.
• After a long work day, I just want to lie down and relax.
• The baby finally fell asleep after I rocked him and told him to lie down.
• I told my kids to lie down and go to sleep.
• I needed to lie down and take a break after that long hike.
• The ground was so uncomfortable I couldn’t wait to lie down on my air mattress.
• After a long day of traveling, I was ready to lie down in my own bed.
• I could tell my dog was tired, so I told him to lie down.
• I was feeling a little dizzy, so I decided to lie down for a bit.
• The nurse told me to lie down on the examination table.
• I couldn’t wait to lie down and watch my favorite TV show.
• The yoga instructor told us to lie down and relax for the final meditation.
• I was so tired that I couldn’t open my eyes, so I lay down on the couch.
• I told my cat to lie down and let me pet her.
• I was feeling a little sick, so I decided to lie down for a bit.
• After a long work day, I couldn’t wait to lie down and read a book.
• I was feeling a little anxious, so I decided to lie down and take some deep breaths.
• I told my horse to lie down so I could get on.
• I was feeling a little sunburned, so I decided to lie down and put some aloe on.
• After the workout, I was ready to lie down and rest for a bit.
• I was feeling a little overwhelmed, so I decided to lie down and take a break.
• I was feeling a little cold, so I decided to lie down and put a blanket over me.

Lay down in a Sentence

• The teacher asked the students to lay down their pencils while she checked their workbooks one by one.
• We decided to lay down our differences and start fresh with a clean slate between us two again.
• He had to lay down his pride before he could reach out for help from others around him.
• I need to lay down my phone and take a break from work.
• The cat lay down in front of the fireplace and started purring.
• We had to lay down our differences and come up with a solution together.
• The teacher told her students to lay down their pencils and take a break from writing.
• They had no choice but to lay down their arms in surrender after the battle was lost.
• We need to lay down some ground rules before starting this project.
• He was determined to lay down the law with his children this time.
• After months of negotiations and conflict resolution talks, the two sides finally agreed to lay their weapons down.
• He instructed the dog to lay down.
• She lay down on the couch to watch TV.
• The baby lay down in its crib for bedtime.
• I need to lay down my book and take a break.
• Let’s lay down some ground rules for this discussion.
• He lay down on the beach to soak up some sun.
• She was told to lay down on the examination table.
• They decided to lay down the carpet in the living room.
• I’m going to lay down my cards and see what happens.
• He lay down his weapons and surrendered.
• She lay down her fork and pushed her plate away.
• I’m going to lay down some fresh sheets on the bed.
• He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes.
• She lay down on the floor to do some stretches.
• I’m going to lay down my guitar and take a break.
• He lay down the law and told them what was expected.
• She lay down her head and cried.
• I’m going to lay down my burden and take a rest.
• He lay down his life for his country.
• She lay down her pencil and looked up at the clock.
• I’m going to lay down my sword and give up the fight.
• He lay down his head and went to sleep.
• She lay down her book and picked up her phone.
• I’m going to lay down my pen and call it a day.

Final words

“Lay down” and “lie down” are both correct phrases. It will depend on the context and whether its usage is correct or not.