they lay on the couch vs they lie on the couch

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'They lay on the couch' is the past tense of 'to lay,' which means to put something down. 'They lie on the couch' is the present tense of 'to lie,' which means to recline or rest in a horizontal position.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 555 views

they lay on the couch

This phrase is correct as the past tense of 'to lay,' which means to put something down.

This phrase should be used when referring to an action that happened in the past, such as 'Yesterday, they lay on the couch.'

Examples:

Yesterday, they lay on the couch.
Last week, they lay on the couch for hours.
When I entered the room, they lay on the couch.
After the party, they lay on the couch to rest.
During the movie, they lay on the couch.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jan 28, 2015 ... Christina Booth told authorities she carried them downstairs after attacking her toddler and cut their necks while they lay on the couch.
Jan 28, 2015 ... Christina Booth told authorities she carried them downstairs after attacking her toddler and cut their necks while they lay on the couch.
express theirs as they lay on the couch; in collaboration with them, he tried to discern the patterns and connections in the weave, the figure in the carpet.
They lay on the couch together, covered by a blanket, arranged in a way that it looks like Drew's head is on the other guy's body. "Not Wearing Pants" Dream ...

Alternatives:

they laid on the couch
they were lying on the couch
they had lain on the couch
they had been lying on the couch
they had been reclining on the couch

they lie on the couch

This phrase is correct as the present tense of 'to lie,' which means to recline or rest in a horizontal position.

This phrase should be used when referring to a current or habitual action, such as 'Every evening, they lie on the couch.'

Examples:

Every evening, they lie on the couch.
She lies on the couch when she reads.
They lie on the couch to relax.
He lies on the couch after work.
The cat lies on the couch all day.

Show examples from the web [+]

3)Someone who is so fat and disgusting that when they lie on the couch their labored breathing drives the observer into a homicidal rage as he watches them ...
... lives tend to progress faster and with greater comfort when they lie on the couch. I happen to prefer using a plain old, ordinary leather couch with some pillows.
And analysts adhere to the basic tenets of the practice Freud devised: they still see patients several times a week, sitting behind them as they lie on the couch ...
Oct 23, 2010 ... Afterward, they lie on the couch together and talk about what they liked about sex this time. Maybe they laugh about forgetting to close the ...

Alternatives:

they are lying on the couch
they lie down on the couch
they recline on the couch
they rest on the couch
they relax on the couch

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they lay on the couch vs they lie on the couch