Dick Cavett on lie/lay

It’s gotten so bad for “lie” and “lay” that if a candidate got the votes of only those who don’t know the difference, it would be a landslide. Upon hearing, “He was outside laying on the lawn,” I remember being glad my dad thought I was worldly enough to get it when he asked, “And who was under him on the lawn?” Wouldn’t anybody just know you wouldn’t “lie it on the table”? Try playing it as it lies. It works just as well.

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February 10, 2007

When I was little I asked my mother to come lay down with me. She answered, “Chickens lay eggs. People lie down.” I never made that mistake again. 🙂

February 11, 2007