Distinguishing Between Laid & Lain

Key Difference – Laid vs Lain

Laid and lain are two past participle verbs that can be confusing for both native and non-native English speakers. The main distinction between laid and lain lies in the fact that they belong to two different verbs. Lain is the past participle of lie (to assume a horizontal position) while laid is the past participle of lay.

What Does Laid Mean?

Laid is the past tense and past participle of lay. Lay typically means to place or put something down. Although the meaning of this verb may slightly vary depending on the context, lay is always followed by a direct object. It is a transitive verb because it can never be used without a subject. Some examples of different meanings of laid include:
– She has laid the map on the table.
– The maids laid the table for dinner.
– The black hen laid six eggs yesterday.
– He laid his head on the soft cushion.
– She had laid her car key on the counter when she came home.

What Does Lain Mean?

Lain is the past participle of lie. Lie in this context does not mean to say something untrue. Instead, it means to assume a horizontal or resting position. If you want to describe someone in a horizontal position, resting or reclining, you can use the verb lain. The corresponding past tense form is lay. Some examples include:
– He has lain in the rough ground for some time.
– The two bodies were lain down on two tables.
– You should have never lain in his bed.
– She admitted that she has lain with men.
– The police inspected the place where she had lain dead for two days.
– She has not lain on a wooden floor before.

What is the difference between Laid and Lain?

– Meaning: Laid means to have placed something down, while lain means to have gone into a resting position.
– Lay vs Lie: Laid is the past tense and past participle of lay, whereas lain is the past participle of lie (to assume a horizontal position).
– Direct Object: Laid is always followed by a direct object, while lain is not followed by an object.
– Verb Type: Laid is a transitive verb, while lain is an intransitive verb.