What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mislay
Example
I seem to have mislaid my keys again. [mislay: verb]
Example
She often mislays her phone and spends hours searching for it. [mislaying: gerund or present participle]
misplace
Example
I think I may have misplaced my glasses. [misplace: verb]
Example
He often misplaces his wallet and has to retrace his steps to find it. [misplacing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misplace is more commonly used than mislay in everyday language, especially in American English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mislay and misplace?
Misplace is considered more formal than mislay, but both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
