Confusing Irregular Verbs

Review What is a regular verb? What is an irregular verb?

Lie vs. Lay Definitions: LIE= LAY= to rest or recline to place or put

Base/ Present Participle Past lie lay (is) lying (has) lain lay (is) laying (has) laid laid

and the present form of lay are the same! Notice this? The past form of lie and the present form of lay are the same!

TIP Typically, lay requires a direct object.

Examples I (lie, lay) in bed for a long time on Saturday mornings. My mother (lies, lays) my little sister’s clothes out every morning. (Lie, Lay) the tablecloth out for dinner tonight.

Double check sentences without direct objects. TIP Double check sentences without direct objects. If the verb can be replaced by the definition (placed or put), then use lay.

Examples The books (lay, laid) on the table. Go (lie, lay) on the couch for a while. The vegetables have been (lay, laid) out on the platter.

Sit vs. Set Definitions: SIT= SET= to rest or recline to place or put

Base/ Present Participle Past sit set (is) sitting (has) sat sat (has) set (is) setting set

Typically set requires a direct object. TIP Typically set requires a direct object.

Examples: The student (sat, set) in his desk. The teacher (sat, set) the papers on the table.

TIP Occasionally, set will not have a direct object. Remember the definition and see if you can replace the verb with placed or put.

Examples The books have been (sat, set) on the table. I (sat, set) the cat down on the table. I (sat, set) on the chair. (Sat, Set) the box over there.

Rise vs. Raise Definitions: RISE= RAISE= to go up without help to go up with help

Base/ Present Participle Past rise raise (has) risen (is) rising rose (has) raised (is) raising raised

Typically, raise requires a direct object. Tip Typically, raise requires a direct object.

Examples I (rose, raised) early this morning. The bread (is rising, is raising). We can (rise, raise) the money for charity.

Tip Remember the definitions of rise and raise. If the object goes up on its own, then use rise. If the object requires help, then use raise. Check the definitions even if the sentence has no direct object.

Examples The sun (rose, raised) this morning. The flag (rose, was raised) early this morning. (Rise, Raise) your hands, please.