Tricky Verb Pairs

Sit v. Set Sit means “to rest in an upright, seated position” or “to be in a place“ Sit seldom takes an object Example: Let’s sit under the tree. No object Set means “to put something in place” Set usually takes an object Example: Let’s set our backpacks under the tree Takes an object = backpacks Let’s set what? Backpacks.

Sit v Set Base Present Participle Past Past Participle Sit is sitting Sat have sat Set Is setting have set

Sit v Set Has he (sat or set) anything down here? The kitten cautiously (sat or set) down beside the Great Dane. Jenny (sat or set) her notebook down on the kitchen counter. I had been (sitting or setting) there all day. (Sit or Set) the fine crystal in the china cabinet. The referee is (sitting or setting) the ball on the fifty yard line. Aaron will (sit or set) the table for our birthday celebration. Let’s (sit or set) that aside until later.

Lie v Lay Lie means “to rest” or “to recline” or “to be in a place” Does not take an object Example: Don’t lie in the sun until you put on some sunscreen. No object Lay means “to put something in a place” Usually takes an object Example: You should not lay your papers on the couch. Takes an object = papers You should not lay what? Papers.

Lie v Lay Base Present Participle Past Past Participle Lie is lying have lain is laying Laid have laid

Lie v Lay The napkins are (lying or laying) next to the plates. The soldiers (lay or laid) a trap for the enemy. The lion had been (lying or laying) in wait for an hour. The senator (lay or laid) her notes aside after her speech. I have (lain or laid) awake, listening to Spanish flamenco music on the radio. She has (lain or laid) her books on the desk. At bedtime, Josh (lies or lays) down on a futon. The exhausted swimmer (lie or lay) helpless on the sand.

Rise v Raise Rise means “to go up” or “to get up” Does not take an object Example: My neighbors rise very early in the morning. No object Raise means “to lift up” or “to cause something to rise” Usually takes an object Example: Every morning they raise their shades to let the sunlight in. Takes an object = their shades They raise what? Their shades

Rise v Raise Base Present Participle Past Past Participle Rise is rising Rose have risen Raise Is raising Raised have raised

Rise v Raise The steam was (rising or raising) from the pot of soup. That discovery (rises or raises) an interesting question about the Algonquin people of Canada. The child’s fever (rose or raised) during the night. The sun (rises or raises) later in each morning. The student body’s interest in this subject has (risen or raised) to new heights. We must (rise or raise) the flag before school begins. The children (rise or raise) the blinds to get a better look at the unusual visitor. The kite has (risen or raised) above the power lines. My father will (rise or raise) my allowance if I pull the weeds. The art dealer (rose or raised) the price of the painting by Frida Kahlo.