The principal parts of the first verb are _lie, lay, lain;_ and of the second, _lay, laid, laid._ The word _lay_ is found in both, and this is, in part, accountable for the confusion. The most frequent errors result from using _laid,_ the past tense form of the transitive verb, when the word _lay,_ the past tense form of the intransitive verb, should be used. The ear naturally expects the usual past tense ending of the _d_ or _t _sound, and as that is absent in the past tense of _lie,_ the past tense form of the other verb is substituted. For the same reason the participle form _laid_ is often incorrectly used for _lain._
“He told me to _lie_ down, and I _lay_ down,” not _laid down. “_I told him to _lay_ the book down, and he _laid_ it down.” “The ship _lay_ at anchor.” “They _lay_ by during the storm.” “The book is _lying_ on the shelf.” “He _lay_ on the ground and took cold.” “They _lay_ in ambush.” _“Lie_ low or he will discover you.” “The goods are still _lying_ on his hands.” “Time _lay_ heavily on their hands.” “We must _lie_ over at the next station.” “A motion was made that the resolution _lie_ on the table.” “Now I _lie_ down to sleep.” “Now I _lay_ me down to sleep.”
The foregoing sentences illustrate the correct usage of these confusing verbs.
“Did your cousin go to town yesterday?” “Not _as_ I know.” Better, “Not _that_ I know.” Better still, “I do not know.” “I do not know _as_ I shall go.” Use _that_ for _as_.
As it is a rare thing to have a good toothache, we scarcely need the adjective _bad_ to distinguish between the two kinds of toothache. Say _severe._
After verbs of seeing, feeling, tasting, and smelling, the adverb is often incorrectly used for the adjective.
“The colonel looked _handsomely_ in his military dress,” “I feel _splendidly_ to-day,” “This peach tastes _badly,” “_The rose smells _sweetly,”_ are incorrect. Use _handsome_ for _handsomely, very well_ or _in good spirits_ for _splendidly, tastes bad_ or _has a disagreeable taste_ for _badly,_ and _sweet_ for _sweetly._
“I _beg_ to announce the sale of a collection of rare and costly rugs.” “I _beg_ to acknowledge your kindness in sending me this handsome present.” In each case say “I _beg leave to,”_ etc.