Need help when using laying/lying in past/present tense

Hi everyone,

I’m currently writing a new chapter of “Love is Stronger Than Chaos”. I am not going to give anything away, but more than once in the chapter I use the words laying/lying.

And that’s my problem.

Can anyone tell me what the difference between the two is and when and how you should write them? I have tried multiple times to look it up, but I still don’t really understand the difference and when it would be appropriate to use them. The example I read on the internet said to use “lay” when referring to a direct object. The example was given that you lay a book down on a table, but you lie down on the sofa.

Wouldn’t a person still be considered a direct object since they are the one doing the action? When I write about a person (or in this case a pony) being on a bed or couch, or placing themselves on it, should I use lay or lie?

Couldn’t it work for both?

Does lie in the past tense mean the action has already been performed? and does lay mean that the action is currently being performed?

So would it be “Discord was laying on a bed” or “Discord was lying on a bed?”

If anyone could tell me in the comments and give me an example it would be most appreciated! I do not want to publish a new chapter until I’m sure of the difference and the use.

Thanks!

Comments

[PinkSnowFlake]

Really want to know how it goes for Fluttershy and Discord... and the baby...

I'll try help you... (I'm not soo good with English...but I'll try...)

But laying is like. 'She was laying in the bed.' Like resting or taking a nap.

And lying is like. 'He knew she was lying to him, she wasn't telling him the truth and he could feel it.'

I took some texts from my own Fanfic that I'm currently writing... I just hope it'll be as good as yours

I hope I was able to help you ☺