Using {em}lay{/em} and {em}lie{/em}, {em}sit{/em} and {em}set{/em}, {em}raise{/em} and {em}rise{/em}

Using lay and lie, sit and set, raise and rise

Lay and lie, sit and set, and raise and rise cause problems for many writers because both verbs in each pair have similar-sounding forms and related meanings. In each pair, one of the verbs is transitive, meaning that it takes a direct object; the other is intransitive, meaning that it does not take an object. The best way to avoid confusing the two is to memorize their forms and meanings. All these verbs except raise are irregular.

BASE FORM PAST TENSE PAST PARTICIPLE PRESENT PARTICIPLE -S FORM
lie (recline) lay lain lying lies
lay (put) laid laid laying lays
sit (be seated) sat sat sitting sits
set (put) set set setting sets
rise (get up) rose risen rising rises
raise (lift) raised raised raising raises

Lie is intransitive and means “recline” or “be situated.” Lay is transitive and means “put” or “place.” This pair is especially confusing because lay is also the past-tense form of lie.

INTRANSITIVE He lay on the floor when his back ached.
TRANSITIVE I laid the cloth on the table.

Sit is intransitive and means “be seated.” Set usually is transitive and means “put” or “place.”

INTRANSITIVE She sat in the rocking chair.
TRANSITIVE We set the bookshelf in the hallway.

Rise is intransitive and means “get up” or “go up.” Raise is transitive and means “lift” or “cause to go up.”

INTRANSITIVE He rose up in bed and glared at me.
TRANSITIVE He raised his hand eagerly.