What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lay
Example
Please lay the book on the table. [lay: verb]
Example
She carefully laid out the picnic blanket on the grass. [laid: past tense]
Example
I will lay the groundwork for the project before we start. [lay: verb]
put
Example
Can you put the keys on the counter, please? [put: verb]
Example
He put the groceries in the bag and left. [put: past tense]
Example
I need to put up some shelves in my room. [put: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Put is more commonly used than lay in everyday language. Put is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lay is less common and refers to a more specific type of placement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lay and put?
Lay is generally considered more formal than put. While put is commonly used in everyday language, lay is often reserved for more formal or technical contexts.
