Let’s be honest, sometimes English can be confusing. Sometimes when learning English it is easy to mix up words or be unsure when to use them.
I often hear German speakers who are learning English make mistakes with the words ‘lay down’ and ‘lie down’.
Take a look at the examples below. Hopefully they will make things clearer for you.
To lay down has different meanings.
If you lay down your weapons, you stop fighting.
E.g. The soldiers laid down their weapons and surrendered.
If you lay something down you establish rules, laws or instructions or the way in which something should be done officially.
E.g. The rule book lays down what should happen in such a situation.
We should lay down some ground rules before we start.
Please adhere to the rules as laid down by our administrator.
To lie down means to move to a position where your body is flat.
E.g. If you are tired, lie down and get some rest.
Have fun learning English!
Louise