The tarp _ flat on the ground. lays lies
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct sentence is:
“The tarp lies flat on the ground.”
Explanation
The confusion between “lays” and “lies” is common because both verbs relate to position and placement, but they are used differently and follow distinct grammar rules.
1. “Lie” vs. “Lay” – Basic Definitions:
- “Lie” (intransitive verb): means to rest or be in a horizontal position.
- It does not take a direct object.
- Present tense: lie
- Past tense: lay
- Past participle: lain
- “Lay” (transitive verb): means to put or place something down.
- It requires a direct object (the thing being placed).
- Present tense: lay
- Past tense: laid
- Past participle: laid
2. Why “lies” is correct here:
In the sentence “The tarp _____ flat on the ground,” the verb is describing the tarp being in a resting, horizontal position. The tarp is not placing anything else; it is simply in a position.
Since there’s no object involved (the tarp is the subject and is doing the action of being flat), we use the intransitive verb “lie” in the present tense (because the sentence is in present tense). The correct present tense form is “lies.”
✔ Correct: The tarp lies flat on the ground.
✘ Incorrect: The tarp lays flat on the ground. (This incorrectly uses a transitive verb without an object.)
3. Bonus Examples:
- Lie: I lie down every afternoon.
- Lay: I lay the book on the table.
- Yesterday, I lay on the couch.
- Yesterday, I laid the keys on the counter.
In summary, use “lies” when the subject is simply resting, and “lays” when the subject is placing something.
