"lay heavy" vs "laying heavy"

Question

"lay heavy" vs "laying heavy"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Lay heavy' is used to describe something that is physically heavy or burdensome, while 'laying heavy' is used to describe an ongoing action or process of something being heavy or burdensome.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the weight or burden of something, such as a heavy object or a difficult situation.

Examples:

The responsibility of taking care of her siblings lay heavy on her shoulders.
The thick fog lay heavy over the city, obscuring the view.
The decision to fire employees lay heavy on the manager's heart.
The guilt of his actions lay heavy on his conscience.
The silence in the room lay heavy, creating a tense atmosphere.

Alternatives:

felt heavy
weighed heavily
was burdensome
was oppressive
was onerous

This phrase is used to describe the continuous or progressive nature of something being heavy or burdensome.

Examples:

The rain was laying heavy on the roof, creating a soothing sound.
The stress of the situation was laying heavy on her mind, making it hard to focus.
The responsibility of the project was laying heavy on the team, causing tension among members.
The sadness of the loss was laying heavy on his heart, making it difficult to move on.
The exhaustion from the long day was laying heavy on his body, urging him to rest.

Alternatives:

was becoming heavy
was growing burdensome
was getting oppressive
was getting onerous
was weighing heavily

Answer 1

lay heavy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is physically heavy or burdensome.

Answer 2

laying heavy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe an ongoing action or process of something being heavy or burdensome.

"lay heavy" vs "laying heavy"

lay heavy

laying heavy

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