Put vs. Lay — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 28, 2024
Put emphasizes placing something in a particular position with less concern for position, while lay requires an object and focuses on positioning something carefully or gently down.
Difference Between Put and Lay
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Put is a general term used to describe the action of moving an object to a specific location or position without implying any particular orientation or careful placement. For example, you can put a book on a table, indicating merely the act of placement. Whereas lay involves an object and suggests placing it down with care or in a specific orientation, often implying laying something flat or preparing it for action. E.g., laying a baby in a crib.
When discussing grammar, "put" is used without requiring a direct object that receives the action, you can simply put something anywhere. On the other hand, "lay" requires a direct object; you lay something down, indicating the action is performed on an object.
In terms of usage, "put" can be applied in various contexts without changing form; its past tense and past participle are both "put." Lay, however, changes form; its past tense is "laid" and so is its past participle, requiring more attention to grammatical accuracy in different tenses.
Put can be used in more abstract ways, such as putting forth an idea or putting someone in a difficult situation, broadening its application beyond physical placement. Lay, in contrast, is more concrete and less often used metaphorically, primarily relating to physical placement.
The choice between put and lay can also reflect the speaker's intent regarding the care or precision involved in the action. Putting something somewhere can imply a more casual or indifferent action, whereas laying something down implies a degree of care, precision, or preparation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Move to or place in a particular position.
Place gently or carefully in a horizontal position.
Direct Object Requirement
No direct object required.
Requires a direct object.
Past Tense
Put
Laid
Usage Flexibility
Can be used abstractly or physically.
Primarily used for physical placement.
Connotation
Casual or indifferent placement.
Careful, gentle, or precise placement.
Compare with Definitions
Put
To move something to a particular place.
She put the keys on the counter.
Lay
To put something down gently or carefully.
She laid the baby in the crib.
Put
To cause to be in a particular state.
The news put me in a good mood.
Lay
To prepare or arrange systematically.
Lay the pieces out before assembly.
Put
To write or input something.
Put your name at the top of the sheet.
Lay
To produce and deposit (eggs).
The hen laid an egg.
Put
To express or state something.
He put it bluntly.
Lay
To establish or set down as a basis.
The book lays the foundations of quantum physics.
Put
To make a certain investment.
They put their efforts into the project.
Lay
To spread out or display.
Lay the map on the table to see the entire area.
Put
Move to or place in a particular position
Harry put down his cup
I put my hand out towards her
Watch where you're putting your feet!
Lay
Put (something) down gently or carefully
She laid the baby in his cot
Put
Bring into a particular state or condition
He is putting himself at risk
They tried to put me at ease
A large aid programme was put into practice
Lay
Put down and set in position for use
It is advisable to have your carpet laid by a professional
Put
Cause (someone or something) to be subject to something
Commentators put some of the blame on Congress
He defended his decision to put VAT on domestic fuel
Lay
Used with an abstract noun so that the phrase formed has the same meaning as the verb related to the noun used, e.g. ‘lay the blame on’ means ‘to blame’
She laid great stress on little courtesies
Put
Throw (a shot or weight) as an athletic sport
She set a women's record by putting the shot 56' 7"
Lay
(of a female bird, insect, reptile, or amphibian) produce (an egg) from inside the body
The hens were laying at the same rate as usual
Flamingos lay only one egg
Put
A throw of a shot or weight.
Lay
Follow (a specified course)
I'm going to lay a course for Ibiza harbour
Put
Short for put option
Lay
Trim (a hedge) back, cutting the branches half through, bending them down, and interweaving them
Most hedges are no longer laid
Put
To place in a specified location; set
She put the books on the table.
Lay
The general appearance of an area of land
The lay of the surrounding countryside
Put
To cause to be in a specified condition
His gracious manners put me at ease.
Lay
The laying of eggs or the period during which they are laid
The onset of lay may be marked by a dropping of the duck's abdomen
Put
To cause (one) to undergo something; subject
The interrogators put the prisoner to torture.
Lay
A short lyric or narrative poem meant to be sung
A minstrel recited a series of lays
Put
To assign; attribute
They put a false interpretation on events.
Lay
Not ordained into or belonging to the clergy
A lay preacher
Put
To estimate
We put the time at five o'clock.
Lay
Not having professional qualifications or expert knowledge, especially in law or medicine
A lay member of the Health Authority
Put
To impose or levy
The governor has put a tax on cigarettes.
Lay
To cause to lie down
Lay a child in its crib.
Put
(Games) To wager (a stake); bet
Put $50 on a horse.
Lay
To place in or bring to a particular position
Lay the cloth over the painting.
Put
(Sports) To hurl with an overhand pushing motion
Put the shot.
Lay
To bury.
Put
To bring up for consideration or judgment
Put a question to the judge.
Lay
To cause to be in a particular condition
The remark laid him open to criticism.
Put
To express; state
I put my objections bluntly.
Lay
To put or set down
Lay new railroad track.
Put
To render in a specified language or literary form
Put prose into verse.
Lay
To produce and deposit
Lay eggs.
Put
To adapt
The lyrics had been put to music.
Lay
To cause to subside; calm or allay
"chas'd the clouds ... and laid the winds" (John Milton).
Put
To urge or force to an action
A mob that put the thief to flight.
Lay
To put up to or against something
Lay an ear to the door.
Put
To apply
We must put our minds to it.
Lay
To put forward as a reproach or an accusation
They laid the blame on us.
Put
To force the purchase of (a stock or commodity) by exercising a put option.
Lay
To put or set in order or readiness for use
Lay the table for lunch.
Put
(Nautical) To proceed
The ship put into the harbor.
Lay
To devise; contrive
Lay plans.
Put
(Sports) An act of putting the shot.
Lay
To spread over a surface
Lay paint on a canvas.
Put
An option to sell a stipulated amount of stock or securities within a specified time and at a fixed price.
Lay
To place or give (importance)
Lay stress on clarity of expression.
Put
Fixed; stationary
Stay put.
Lay
To impose as a burden or punishment
Lay a penalty upon the offender.
Put
To place something somewhere.
She put her books on the table.
Lay
To present for examination
Lay a case before a committee.
Put
To bring or set into a certain relation, state or condition.
Put your house in order!
He is putting all his energy into this one task.
She tends to put herself in dangerous situations.
Lay
To put forward as a demand or an assertion
Laid claim to the estate.
Put
(finance) To exercise a put option.
He got out of his Procter and Gamble bet by putting his shares at 80.
Lay
(Games) To place (a bet); wager.
Put
To express something in a certain manner.
When you put it that way, I guess I can see your point.
Lay
To aim (a gun or cannon).
Put
(athletics) To throw a heavy iron ball, as a sport. See shot put. Do not confuse with putt.
Lay
To place together (strands) to be twisted into rope.
Put
To steer; to direct one's course; to go.
Lay
To make in this manner
Lay up cable.
Put
To play a card or a hand in the game called put.
Lay
To produce and deposit eggs.
Put
To attach or attribute; to assign.
To put a wrong construction on an act or expression
Lay
To bet; wager.
Put
(obsolete) To lay down; to give up; to surrender.
Lay
(Nonstandard) To lie.
Put
To set before one for judgment, acceptance, or rejection; to bring to the attention.
To put a question; to put a case
Lay
(Nautical) To put oneself into the position indicated.
Put
(obsolete) To incite; to entice; to urge; to constrain; to oblige.
Lay
Past tense of lie1.
Put
(mining) To convey coal in the mine, as for example from the working to the tramway.
Lay
The direction the strands of a rope or cable are twisted in
A left lay.
Put
(business) A right to sell something at a predetermined price.
Lay
The amount of such twist.
Put
(finance) Short for put option.
He bought a January '08 put for Procter and Gamble at 80 to hedge his bet.
Lay
The state of one that lays eggs
A hen coming into lay.
Put
The act of putting; an action; a movement; a thrust; a push.
The put of a ball
Lay
A narrative poem, such as one sung by medieval minstrels; a ballad.
Put
(uncountable) An old card game.
Lay
A song; a tune.
Put
(obsolete) A fellow, especially an eccentric or elderly one; a duffer.
Lay
Of, relating to, or involving the laity
A lay preacher.
Put
(obsolete) A prostitute.
Lay
Not of or belonging to a particular profession; nonprofessional
A lay opinion as to the seriousness of the disease.
Put
A pit.
Lay
(transitive) To place down in a position of rest, or in a horizontal position.
To lay a book on the table;
To lay a body in the grave
A shower of rain lays the dust.
Put
A rustic; a clown; an awkward or uncouth person.
Queer country puts extol Queen Bess's reign.
What droll puts the citizens seem in it all.
Lay
To cause to subside or abate.
Put
The act of putting; an action; a movement; a thrust; a push; as, the put of a ball.
Lay
(transitive) To prepare (a plan, project etc.); to set out, establish (a law, principle).
Put
A certain game at cards.
Lay
(transitive) To install certain building materials, laying one thing on top of another.
Lay brick;
Lay flooring
Put
A privilege which one party buys of another to "put" (deliver) to him a certain amount of stock, grain, etc., at a certain price and date.
A put and a call may be combined in one instrument, the holder of which may either buy or sell as he chooses at the fixed price.
Lay
(transitive) To produce and deposit an egg.
The hen laid an egg
Did dinosaurs lay their eggs in a nest?
Put
A prostitute.
Lay
(transitive) To bet (that something is or is not the case).
I'll lay that he doesn't turn up on Monday.
Put
To move in any direction; to impel; to thrust; to push; - nearly obsolete, except with adverbs, as with by (to put by = to thrust aside; to divert); or with forth (to put forth = to thrust out).
His chief designs are . . . to put thee by from thy spiritual employment.
Lay
(transitive) To deposit (a stake) as a wager; to stake; to risk.
Put
To bring to a position or place; to place; to lay; to set; figuratively, to cause to be or exist in a specified relation, condition, or the like; to bring to a stated mental or moral condition; as, to put one in fear; to put a theory in practice; to put an enemy to fight.
This present dignity,In which that I have put you.
I will put enmity between thee and the woman.
He put no trust in his servants.
When God into the hands of their delivererPuts invincible might.
In the mean time other measures were put in operation.
Lay
(nautical) To take a position; to come or go.
To lay forward;
To lay aloft
Put
To attach or attribute; to assign; as, to put a wrong construction on an act or expression.
Lay
(legal) To state; to allege.
To lay the venue
Put
To lay down; to give up; to surrender.
No man hath more love than this, that a man put his life for his friends.
Lay
(military) To point; to aim.
To lay a gun
Put
To set before one for judgment, acceptance, or rejection; to bring to the attention; to offer; to state; to express; figuratively, to assume; to suppose; - formerly sometimes followed by that introducing a proposition; as, to put a question; to put a case.
Let us now put that ye have leave.
Put the perception and you put the mind.
These verses, originally Greek, were put in Latin.
All this is ingeniously and ably put.
Lay
(ropemaking) To put the strands of (a rope, a cable, etc.) in their proper places and twist or unite them.
To lay a cable or rope
Put
To incite; to entice; to urge; to constrain; to oblige.
These wretches put us upon all mischief.
Put me not use the carnal weapon in my own defense.
Thank him who puts me, loath, to this revenge.
Lay
(printing) To place and arrange (pages) for a form upon the imposing stone.
Put
To throw or cast with a pushing motion "overhand," the hand being raised from the shoulder; a practice in athletics; as, to put the shot or weight.
Lay
(printing) To place (new type) properly in the cases.
Put
To convey coal in the mine, as from the working to the tramway.
Put case that the soul after departure from the body may live.
Coming from thee, I could not put him back.
Mark, how a plain tale shall put you down.
Sugar hath put down the use of honey.
I hoped for a demonstration, but Themistius hoped to put me off with an harangue.
We might put him off with this answer.
For the certain knowledge of that truthI put you o'er to heaven and to my mother.
Lay
To apply; to put.
Put
To go or move; as, when the air first puts up.
Lay
To impose (a burden, punishment, command, tax, etc.).
To lay a tax on land
Put
To steer; to direct one's course; to go.
His fury thus appeased, he puts to land.
Lay
To impute; to charge; to allege.
Put
To play a card or a hand in the game called put.
Lay
To present or offer.
To lay an indictment in a particular county
I have laid the facts of the matter before you.
Put
The option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
Lay
To lie: to rest in a horizontal position on a surface.
I found him laying on the floor.
Put
Put into a certain place or abstract location;
Put your things here
Set the tray down
Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
Place emphasis on a certain point
Lay
When pertaining to position.
The baby lay in its crib and slept silently.
Put
Cause to be in a certain state; cause to be in a certain relation;
That song put me in awful good humor
Lay
(proscribed) To be in a horizontal position; to lie (from confusion with lie).
Put
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
Lay
To don or put on (tefillin phylacteries]]).
Put
Attribute or give;
She put too much emphasis on her the last statement
He put all his efforts into this job
The teacher put an interesting twist to the interpretation of the story
Lay
Arrangement or relationship; layout.
The lay of the land
Put
Make an investment;
Put money into bonds
Lay
A share of the profits in a business.
Put
Estimate;
We put the time of arrival at 8 P.M.
Lay
The direction a rope is twisted.
Worm and parcel with the lay; turn and serve the other way.
Put
Cause (someone) to undergo something;
He put her to the torture
Lay
A place or activity where someone spends a significant portion of their time.
Put
Adapt;
Put these words to music
Lay
The laying of eggs.
The hens are off the lay at present.
Put
Arrange thoughts, ideas, temporal events, etc.;
Arrange my schedule
Set up one's life
I put these memories with those of bygone times
Lay
(obsolete) A layer.
Lay
(obsolete) A basis or ground.
Lay
A lake.
Lay
A ballad or sung poem; a short poem or narrative, usually intended to be sung.
Lay
A lyrical, narrative poem written in octosyllabic couplets that often deals with tales of adventure and romance.
Lay
(obsolete) A meadow; a lea.
Lay
(obsolete) A law.
Lay
(obsolete) An obligation; a vow.
Lay
Not belonging to the clergy, but associated with them.
They seemed more lay than clerical.
A lay preacher; a lay brother
Lay
Non-professional; not being a member of an organized institution.
Lay
(card games) Not trumps.
A lay suit
Lay
(obsolete) Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.
Lay
Of Lie, to recline.
Lay
Of or pertaining to the laity, as distinct from the clergy; as, a lay person; a lay preacher; a lay brother.
Lay
Not educated or cultivated; ignorant.
Lay
Not belonging to, or emanating from, a particular profession; unprofessional; as, a lay opinion regarding the nature of a disease.
Lay
A song; a simple lyrical poem; a ballad.
Lay
A melody; any musical utterance.
The throstle cock made eke his lay.
Lay
The laity; the common people.
The learned have no more privilege than the lay.
Lay
A meadow. See Lea.
Lay
Faith; creed; religious profession.
Of the sect to which that he was bornHe kept his lay, to which that he was sworn.
Lay
A law.
Lay
An obligation; a vow.
They bound themselves by a sacred lay and oath.
Lay
That which lies or is laid or is conceived of as having been laid or placed in its position; a row; a stratum; a layer; as, a lay of stone or wood.
A viol should have a lay of wire strings below.
Lay
A wager.
Lay
A job, price, or profit.
Lay
A measure of yarn; a lea. See 1st Lea (a).
Lay
A plan; a scheme.
Lay
To cause to lie down, to be prostrate, or to lie against something; to put or set down; to deposit; as, to lay a book on the table; to lay a body in the grave; a shower lays the dust.
A stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den.
Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid.
Lay
To place in position; to establish firmly; to arrange with regularity; to dispose in ranks or tiers; as, to lay a corner stone; to lay bricks in a wall; to lay the covers on a table.
Lay
To prepare; to make ready; to contrive; to provide; as, to lay a snare, an ambush, or a plan.
Lay
To spread on a surface; as, to lay plaster or paint.
Lay
To cause to be still; to calm; to allay; to suppress; to exorcise, as an evil spirit.
After a tempest when the winds are laid.
Lay
To cause to lie dead or dying.
Brave Cæneus laid Ortygius on the plain,The victor Cæneus was by Turnus slain.
Lay
To deposit, as a wager; to stake; to risk.
I dare lay mine honorHe will remain so.
Lay
To bring forth and deposit; as, to lay eggs.
Lay
To apply; to put.
She layeth her hands to the spindle.
Lay
To impose, as a burden, suffering, or punishment; to assess, as a tax; as, to lay a tax on land.
The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Lay
To impute; to charge; to allege.
God layeth not folly to them.
Lay the fault on us.
Lay
To impose, as a command or a duty; as, to lay commands on one.
Lay
To present or offer; as, to lay an indictment in a particular county; to lay a scheme before one.
Lay
To state; to allege; as, to lay the venue.
Lay
To point; to aim; as, to lay a gun.
Lay
To put the strands of (a rope, a cable, etc.) in their proper places and twist or unite them; as, to lay a cable or rope.
Lay
To place and arrange (pages) for a form upon the imposing stone.
And laid those proud roofs bare to summer's rain.
Let brave spirits . . . not be laid by.
No selfish man will be concerned to lay out himself for the good of his country.
Lay
To produce and deposit eggs.
Lay
To take a position; to come or go; as, to lay forward; to lay aloft.
Lay
To lay a wager; to bet.
Lay
A narrative song with a recurrent refrain
Lay
A narrative poem of popular origin
Lay
Put into a certain place or abstract location;
Put your things here
Set the tray down
Set the dogs on the scent of the missing children
Place emphasis on a certain point
Lay
Put in a horizontal position;
Lay the books on the table
Lay the patient carefully onto the bed
Lay
Prepare or position for action or operation;
Lay a fire
Lay the foundation for a new health care plan
Lay
Lay eggs;
This hen doesn't lay
Lay
Impose as a duty, burden, or punishment;
Lay a responsibility on someone
Lay
Concerning those not members of the clergy;
Set his collar in laic rather than clerical position
The lay ministry
The choir sings both sacred and secular music
Lay
Not of or from a profession;
A lay opinion as to the cause of the disease
Common Curiosities
Can "lay" be used without a direct object?
No, "lay" requires a direct object, as in laying something down.
Can "put" be used in an abstract sense?
Yes, "put" can be used both physically and abstractly, e.g., putting forth an idea.
How do "put" and "lay" differ in professional contexts?
"Put" is more versatile, while "lay" might be used for specific, careful placements.
Is "lay" always related to careful placement?
Generally, yes, "lay" implies a more careful or gentle placement than "put."
Are there exceptions to using "lay" for placing something gently?
"Lay" is primarily used for gentle placement, but context can extend its meaning.
Can "put" imply a certain orientation or position?
While "put" can imply an intended position, it's less specific about orientation than "lay."
Is the past tense of "put" the same as its base form?
Yes, the past tense of "put" is also "put."
What is the past participle of "lay"?
The past participle of "lay" is "laid."
How does tense affect the use of "put" and "lay"?
"Put" remains unchanged in past tense, while "lay" becomes "laid."
Is it common to confuse "lay" and "lie"?
Yes, because their meanings and forms are similar, leading to confusion.
Can "put" and "lay" be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, they might be, but their nuances and grammatical requirements often differentiate them.
Can "put" be used without specifying a location?
Technically, yes, but clarity may suffer without specifying where something is put.
Can "lay" be used metaphorically?
It's less common but possible, especially in phrases like "lay the groundwork."
Do "put" and "lay" have the same grammatical structures?
No, "lay" requires a direct object, whereas "put" does not necessarily need one.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
