Remember this!
The present tense form of 'lie' is lie or lies. Example: The book lies on the table. (The book lies on the table.)
Definition of “lie”
- to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position on a surface
- to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive
- to be or remain in a specified condition or state
Tense sentence structure and examples:
Notes from a Native English Speaker
Here are the general structures of a present and past participle. Remember, some verbs have an irregular form and may not follow this structure: Present Participle: [Verb] -ing Past Participle: [Verb] -ed
| Present Simple | lie |
| Present Continuous | lying |
| Present Perfect | lain |
Example
The cat lies on the mat.
Example
They lie on the beach during their vacation.
Example
He is lying on the hammock and reading a book.
Example
They are lying on the grass and having a picnic.
Example
The keys have lain on the table since morning.
Example
She has lain in bed all day due to fatigue.
lie Subject-Verb Agreement
Notes from a Native English Speaker
Subject-verb agreement means that a subject and its verb match. They’re either both plural or both singular. A singular subject takes a singular verb. - Example: The cat is sleeping. A plural subject takes a plural verb. - Example: The cats are sleeping.
| Singular First Person (I) | lie |
| Singular Second Person (You) | lie |
| Singular Third Person (He/She/It) | lies |
| Plural (We/You/They) | lie |
Example
I lie on the couch to relax.
Example
You lie on the bed to rest.
Example
He lies on the beach to sunbathe.
Example
She lies on the grass to enjoy the weather.
Example
It lies on the floor.
Example
We lie on the hammocks to relax.
Example
You lie on the beach towels to sunbathe.
Example
They lie on the picnic blanket.
