- Joined
- May 28, 2013
- Messages
- 245
- Reaction score
- 5
I absolutely dread trying to figure out which one to use. This guide made it just a little bit easier for me to remember which version to use and when.
Below is one of those grey areas (grey for me anyway) where and when I’ll get squirmy on the lay/lie conundrum. This story is in past-tense, as the verbs clearly anchor it there:
Lieutenant Finley drew his weapon and searched the area surrounding the house. Finding nothing and no one outside, he cracked the door open and stepped into the house, ready to fire should ambush lay in wait. A short while later, he exited and gave General Raynor the all-clear.
However, I question the use of ‘lay in wait’ given: Finley’s perspective, and the potential possibilities of it all (the ‘maybe’ ongoing act of ‘maybe’ ambushers). So it’s like a ‘currently’ present potential threat, but in a past-tense anchored situation.
*I readily admit that I overthink the small things, and underthink the big ones, and so I apologize if I’m coming across as an ignorant arse.*
For this situation it's a form of lie correct?
Before the six guards and the boss lay fifteen meters of fields, after which the tree line started.
It truly is at times; I think that most on this site would agree with you on that.
anyway thank you; just wanted to make sure that was correct. also, thank you for the suggestion; it most definitely sounds better.
On a professionally printed handout with photographs I received during my hospital stay is the following instruction:
6. Hip Extension Stretch
Lay on your back with the bed flat, legs straight in front.
Coach’s Note: Patient lay flat and allows muscles to completely relax.
I didn't call the errors to anyone’s attention nor mention I'd taught English well over two decades, but when tested at the end of the day's program, I wrote:
"For the hip extension stretch, I’m to lie on my back on a flat surface and stretch my legs as far as possible."
Kay wrote: "My patient needs to lie flat with relaxed muscles to perform the hip stretch."
The PT assistant lined through my “lie” and Kay's and wrote “lay” on both our answer sheets. She said her mom is an English teacher is the reason she corrects quizzes and lectures patients.
I suggested she take the handout and quiz home an let mom explain.
The PT assistant lined through my “lie” and Kay's and wrote “lay” on both our answer sheets. She said her mom is an English teacher is the reason she corrects quizzes and lectures patients.
I suggested she take the handout and quiz home an let mom explain.
The PT assistant lined through my “lie” and Kay's and wrote “lay” on both our answer sheets. She said her mom is an English teacher is the reason she corrects quizzes and lectures patients.