"Lay" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It typically means to place or put something down, especially in a horizontal position.
Example (present tense): "She lays the book on the table." Here, "lays" is used to indicate the action of placing the book on the table.
Example (past tense): "Yesterday, he laid the foundation for the new building." In this sentence, "laid" indicates the past action of placing or putting down the foundation.
Lie:
"Lie" is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It typically means to recline or be in a horizontal position.
Example (present tense): "She lies on the couch when she reads." Here, "lies" is used to indicate the action of reclining on the couch.
Example (past tense): "Yesterday, he lay on the beach all afternoon." In this sentence, "lay" indicates the past action of being in a horizontal position on the beach.
