Layed vs. Laid: Avoid This Common Grammar Mistake!

Last updated on September 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Sometimes the difference between two words is that, while one of them is commonly used, the other is considered archaic and is not used at all nowadays. This is the case with the pair layed vs. laid. Though both these words have been acceptable at some point in the English language, only one of them should be used today. So, which is it?

Layed vs. Laid: The Main Differences

Quick Tips:

  • The correct form is “laid,” not “layed.”
  • Always use “laid” as the past tense of “lay.”
  • “Layed” is not a correct word and should be avoided.
Layed vs. Laid
Layed vs. Laid – Created by 7ESL

Layed and Laid: Definition and Usage

What Does “Laid” Mean?

“Laid” is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “lay,” which means to put or place something down in a flat or gentle manner. It is used when referring to an action that has already been completed.

Many English words have a few different meanings, and the verb “to lay” isn’t an exception. When you say that John laid the newspaper on the table, you mean that he put it there. When you say that a group of criminals laid out a plan of the bank robbery, you mean that they prepared, or created it. This verb can also be associated with bets: if you say that Hazel laid a bet on the horse that has come last in all the previous races, you mean that she placed a bet. Finally, a hen might have laid an egg as well.

Nevertheless, no matter which meaning this verb takes in your sentence, the past tense will always be laid.

Here are some examples of how “laid” is used:

  • She laid the blanket on the bed.
  • The mason laid the bricks carefully.
  • The table was laid with fine china for the dinner party.

What Does “Layed” Mean?

“Layed” is not a standard word in contemporary English. The correct past tense and past participle form of “lay” is “laid.”

You can only use layed if you’re describing a time period a few centuries ago, and you need the appropriate vocabulary to create the needed mood. If this is not the case and your writing is done completely in modern English, stick to laid.

Find more insights: Lay vs. Lie, Laying vs. Lying

Tips to Remember the Difference

  • Modern Usage: Remember that “layed” is an archaic term and is not used in modern English. Stick with “laid” for the past tense and past participle of “lay.”
  • Verb Pairing: Associate the verb “lay” with its correct forms. “Lay” requires an object (you lay something down), and the sequence is “lay” (present), “laid” (past), “laid” (past participle). There’s no “layed” in this sequence.

Common Mistakes:

Using “layed” instead of “laid”:

  • Incorrect: “She layed the blanket on the bed.”
  • Correct: “She laid the blanket on the bed.”
  • Explanation: “Laid” is the proper form in the past tense.

Layed vs. Laid Examples

Example 1:

  • Correct: She laid the napkin on her lap before starting to eat.
  • Incorrect: She layed the napkin on her lap before starting to eat.

Example 2:

  • Correct: The hen has laid six eggs this week.
  • Incorrect: The hen has layed six eggs this week.

Example 3:

  • Correct: They laid the carpet in the living room yesterday.
  • Incorrect: They layed the carpet in the living room yesterday.

Example 4:

  • Correct: The workers laid the foundation for the new house.
  • Incorrect: The workers layed the foundation for the new house.

Example 5:

  • Correct: He laid his keys on the kitchen counter.
  • Incorrect: He layed his keys on the kitchen counter.
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