The confusion between “laid” and “layed” often arises due to their similar sounds and past tense forms. However, “laid” and “layed” have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Lay is a verb that commonly means “to put or set (something) down.” Lie is a verb that commonly means “to be in or to assume a horizontal position” (or “to make an untrue statement,” but we’ll focus on the first definition).
Knowing what the words mean doesn’t mean you necessarily know how to use lay and lie. Again, here are a few rules to help you. In the present tense, you often use a direct object with lay. However, lie can’t take a direct object. In other words, lay takes a direct object, and lie does not.
Laid With Examples
LAID is the past tense of the verb “to lay” which usually means “to set something down”.
- Monica laidthe baby down gently on the bed.
- Shelaidout all her new glossary on the table.
- It is advisable to have your carpet laid by a professional.
- Helaidthe blanket out and sat.
- Martin laid all the pens on the floor.
Layed
Layed is an archaic term equivalent to laid. It used to function as the past and past participle of lay. However, this term is no longer in usage, and most people consider this term to be a misspelling. Since this term is no longer in usage, you should always use laid instead of layed.
Laid vs layed
Since both are different forms of the same word and mean exactly the same thing, laid is the past and past participle of lay. It is popularly used in the language. Layed is an archaic term which was used as the past and past participle of laid. Although “layed” is an extremely popular variant spelling of the past tense of transitive “lay,” “laid” is the traditional spelling in all contexts.
Layed is an archaic word that nobody uses anymore. Nevertheless, no matter which meaning this verb takes in your sentence, the past tense will always be laid. You can only use layed if you’re describing a time period a few centuries ago, and you need the appropriate vocabulary to create the needed mood. If this is not the case and your writing is done completely in modern English, stick to laid.
| Factors | Laid | Layed |
| Pronunciation (IPA) | /leɪd/ | /leɪd/ |
| Parts of Speech | Verb | Verb |
| Base form | Lay | Lay |
| Tense | Past Indefinite, Past Participle | Past Indefinite, Past Participle |
| Meaning | to put something down | to put something down |
| Usage | Standard | Archaic |
Usage of Layed And Laid
- To put or place in a position that is flat; set down: to lay a book on a desk.
- To put or place in a particular position: The dog laid its ears back.
- To cause to be in a particular state or condition: Their motives were laid bare.
- To place in proper position or in an orderly fashion: To lay bricks.
- To set, place, or apply: Don’t you lay a hand on her.
- To establish as a basis; set up: These talks will lay the foundation for further negotiations.
- To charge someone as being responsible for (something): To lay blame on the commissioner General.
- To place on, along, or under a surface: To lay a pipeline.
- To present or submit for notice or consideration: I laid my case before the commission.