Which sentence uses “lie” and “lay” correctly?
Correct answer: A. The confidential files lay untouched on the desk.
- A. The confidential files lay untouched on the desk.
- B. The confidential files laid untouched on the desk.
- C. The clerk has lain the confidential files on the desk.
- D. The clerk lay the confidential files on the desk.
Explanation
Lay is the past tense of lie when no object is used, so files lay on the desk is correct. Laid requires an object, while lain is a past participle and cannot replace laid in the third option.
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About Vocabulary and Word Usage
Precise word choice includes meanings, synonyms, antonyms, homophones, collocations, prefixes, suffixes, idioms and context-based usage. Questions distinguish formal from informal expressions, literal from figurative meaning, and commonly confused words such as affect and effect, accept and except, and principal and principle.
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