Layed vs. Laid — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 20, 2024
"Layed" is incorrect, while "Laid" is the correct spelling, representing the past and past participle form of the verb 'lay', which means to set something down.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Layed or Laid
How to spell Laid?
Layed
Incorrect Spelling
Laid
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
To differentiate, associate "Laid" with "Paid" since both have "aid" and are correct.
Another way is to recall phrases like “laid back” or “laid the table” to reinforce the right spelling.
Consider popular expressions like "well-laid plans."
You may remember "Laid" is related to an action completed in the past, like "played."
How Do You Spell Laid Correctly?
Incorrect: She layed the book on the table before leaving.
Correct: She laid the book on the table before leaving.
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Incorrect: The workers layed the bricks carefully.
Correct: The workers laid the bricks carefully.
Incorrect: I layed out my clothes for tomorrow.
Correct: I laid out my clothes for tomorrow.
Incorrect: The hen has layed three eggs today.
Correct: The hen has laid three eggs today.
Incorrect: He layed the foundation for his future career with hard work.
Correct: He laid the foundation for his future career with hard work.
Laid Definitions
Past tense of the verb 'lay', meaning to set something down.
She laid the book on the table.
Provided a basis or foundation.
She laid the groundwork for the initiative.
Arranged or prepared something with careful attention.
They laid plans for the new project.
Referencing the positioning or placement of something.
The table was laid for dinner.
Set down, especially gently or carefully.
He laid the baby in the crib.
Past tense and past participle of lay1.
Simple past tense and past participle of lay
(of paper) Marked with parallel lines, as if ribbed, from wires in the mould.
Of Lay.
Set down according to a plan:
A carefully laid table with places set for four people
Stones laid in a pattern
Laid Meaning in a Sentence
Every morning, the farmer checks how many eggs have been laid.
He laid the tiles in the bathroom by himself.
They laid the groundwork for the new project last week.
She carefully laid the baby in the crib.
The team laid a plan to improve their performance.
She laid the blanket on the grass for a picnic.
He laid his jacket over the chair.
She laid the book down after finishing it and sighed contentedly.
The artist laid out his tools before starting to paint.
They laid a wreath at the memorial to honor the soldiers.
The gardener laid mulch around the plants.
He laid his hand on my shoulder to comfort me.
The chef laid the final garnish on the dish before serving.
The committee laid down the rules for the competition.
The teacher laid out the exam papers on her desk.
The storm had laid down a thick layer of snow overnight.
She laid her keys on the kitchen counter and forgot them.
She laid her worries aside and enjoyed the evening.
The company has laid off several employees this month.
He laid the map on the table to plan their route.
The cat laid back down after a brief stretch.
They laid the carpet in the living room to make it cozier.
She laid out her argument logically and persuasively.
He laid his phone down and focused on the conversation.
They laid a trap for the mice in the attic.
Laid Idioms & Phrases
Laid up in bed
To be confined to bed due to illness or injury.
She's been laid up in bed with the flu for a week.
Laid to rest
To bury someone who has died.
After the funeral, her grandmother was laid to rest in the family plot.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Laid?
There's no specific rule, but often “a” (as in a laid egg) is used.
Why is it called Laid?
"Laid" comes from Old English "lecgan," meaning to place down, and it’s the past tense of "lay."
What is the verb form of Laid?
"Laid" is both the past and past participle form of the verb "lay."
What is the root word of Laid?
The root word is the Old English verb "lecgan."
Which conjunction is used with Laid?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with "Laid."
Is Laid a noun or adjective?
"Laid" is primarily used as a verb.
What is the pronunciation of Laid?
"Laid" is pronounced [leyd].
What is the singular form of Laid?
"Laid" is not countable, so it doesn’t have a singular/plural form.
Which preposition is used with Laid?
"on," "in," "at" and "by" can be used as prepositions with "Laid."
What is the plural form of Laid?
"Laid" does not have a plural form.
Is the Laid term a metaphor?
"Laid" can be used metaphorically, as in "laid low" meaning defeated or incapacitated.
Is the word Laid imperative?
No, "Laid" is not imperative; it’s past tense.
What part of speech is Laid?
"Laid" is a verb.
Which article is used with Laid?
Both “a” and “the” can be used before "Laid."
Is Laid an adverb?
No, "Laid" is not an adverb.
Is Laid a negative or positive word?
"Laid" is neutral; it doesn’t convey a positive or negative connotation inherently.
What is a stressed syllable in Laid?
The entire word "Laid" is stressed as it's a single syllable.
Is the word “Laid” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Laid" can refer to a direct object, as in what was laid down.
Which determiner is used with Laid?
Determiners like "the" or "this" can be used with "Laid."
What is the first form of Laid?
The first form of "Laid" is "lay."
What is the third form of Laid?
The third form is also "laid."
How is Laid used in a sentence?
Example: "She laid the clothes neatly in the drawer."
Is Laid an abstract noun?
No, "Laid" is not an abstract noun.
Is Laid a countable noun?
"Laid" is not a countable noun.
Is the word Laid a Gerund?
No, "Laid" is not a gerund.
How many syllables are in Laid?
"Laid" has one syllable.
What is another term for Laid?
"Placed" or "set" can be synonyms for "Laid."
What is the second form of Laid?
The second form is "laid."
Is Laid a vowel or consonant?
"Laid" is a word, not a vowel or a consonant.
Is Laid a collective noun?
No, "Laid" is not a collective noun.
How do we divide Laid into syllables?
"Laid" as one syllable, isn’t divided.
What is the opposite of Laid?
The opposite of "Laid" might be "lifted" in certain contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
