Grammar Goofs - Part 1

1. Using the verbs lay and lie correctly is a big challenge. How do you use lay and lie correctly? Lay means to put or place something or someone down. Because lay is a transitive verb, a direct object will come after it. A direct object receives the action of the verb. Here is an example:

During the commercial, Mom laid her sleeping daughter on the bed and covered her with a quilt.

Lie, on the other hand, means to rest or recline. Lie is an intransitive verb, so no direct object will follow.

The couch cushion always looks wrinkled because Sophie, Susan's German Shepherd, lies there every chance he gets. 

Lay  means to put or place something down   -     lay(s)      laid      laid

Lie means to rest or recline                              -      lie(s)       lay       lain

2.  Alright - no such word; use all right instead.

 3.  Then/Than - Than is a comparison; Then means a little time or accordingly

 4.  Affect/Effect - Affect is a verb that means to influence. Effect is a noun meaning 'result.'

                
Running affects your heart rate.  Running has a great effect on the body.

More to follow...