23b Use lie and lay, sit and set, rise and raise.
23b
Use lie and lay, sit and set, rise and raise.
These pairs of verbs cause confusion because both verbs in each pair have similar-sounding forms and somewhat related meanings. In each pair, one verb is transitive, meaning that it is followed by a direct object (I lay the package on the counter). The other is intransitive, meaning that it does not have an object (He lies on the floor unable to move). The best way to avoid confusing these verbs is to memorize their forms and meanings.
| 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 |
