If you’ve ever pondered over the correct way to express that you’re resting on a bed in English, this guide is for you. The correct usage between “lying” and “laying”, “in bed” and “on the bed” seems to trip many of us up. Here’s the rundown.
The Verbs: ‘Lay’ and ‘Lie’
The crux of the confusion lies (pun intended) in the difference between two verbs: lay and lie.
Lay is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. You lay something down. Its past tense is ‘laid’.
An example usage is: Yesterday, I laid the book on the table.
Lie, on the other hand, is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not need a direct object. You lie down. The past tense of ‘lie’ in this sense is ‘lay’.
Yes, this is where a lot of the confusion comes from. An example is: Yesterday, I lay down for a nap.
‘In Bed’ or ‘On The Bed’
Another point of confusion is the difference between saying ‘in bed’ or ‘on the bed’. It boils down to these bullet points:
- In bed: Typically used when you’re under the covers ready for sleep or already sleeping.
- Example: I am lying in bed.
- On the bed: Used when you’re on top of the bed possibly for rest, but not necessarily for sleep.
- Example: I am lying on the bed reading a book.
Mixing Them Together
To say you’re resting or sleeping on your bed, you’d say, “I am lying in bed.” If you’re simply relaxing on top of the bed, not under the covers, you would say, “I am lying on the bed.”
Take note of the past tense forms as well:
- Last night, I lay in bed thinking about my day.
- Yesterday, I lay on the bed listening to music.
Common Mistakes
A very common error is to use ‘laying’ when ‘lying’ should be used, such as saying, “I am laying in bed.” Remember that ‘laying’ requires an object. So, unless you’re placing something down on your bed, you are likely ‘lying’ in it—not ‘laying’.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the two keys to correctly expressing that you’re in a horizontal position on your bed rest in understanding the difference between “lie” and “lay”, and knowing whether to use ‘in bed’ or ‘on the bed’. Keep these rules in mind and you’ll be able to accurately convey whether you’re sleeping or simply resting on your bed.