The Grammar Doctor

Q. A recent WSJ article read, "...I give up and lay down in the tub..." I think it should read, "...I give up and lie down in the tub...?"

A. You're right. It should be "lie down." I see more and more people, including professionals saying "lay" where it should be"lie." I'm amazed, however, that a publication like the WJS would misuse it. Even though a lot of people use this word incorrectly, it is still wrong, and it really bothers me to hear a professional say, I'm going to "lay" down, instead "lie" down.


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