Learn about the difference between the homophones: lane and lain

Definitions

lane

Lane is a noun that refers to a narrow road or path, usually in the countryside or a residential area.

Example

The bike lane is reserved for cyclists only.

Example

The lane to the beach was blocked by construction.

lain

Lain is the past participle of the verb 'lie', which means to be in or assume a horizontal or resting position.

Example

She had lain in bed all day.

Example

The cat had lain in the sun for hours.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between lane and lain, think of the letter 'I' in lain as representing a person lying down. - You could also associate lane with a path or road, while lain with the past tense of 'lie'.