English Reference

Phrasal verb

lie down

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

lie down

Past

lay down

Past participle

lain down

Definition

phrasal verb. to move your body into a flat, horizontal position to rest or sleep.

phrasal verb. to assume a horizontal or recumbent position. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Examples

“I feel a bit dizzy, so I need to lie down.”

“After a long day at the office, he usually likes to lie down on the couch for twenty minutes before cooking dinner.”

“The exhausted hikers were grateful to finally lie down on their sleeping mats once the camp was fully established.”

Examples

simple

“I feel a bit dizzy, so I need to lie down.”

contextual

“After a long day at the office, he usually likes to lie down on the couch for twenty minutes before cooking dinner.”

complex

“The exhausted hikers were grateful to finally lie down on their sleeping mats once the camp was fully established.”

Usage

This phrase is intransitive and describes the subject's own physical action.

Teaching tip

Focus on the distinction between 'lie' (intransitive) and 'lay' (transitive), as even native speakers frequently conflate the two in casual speech.

Pitfall

I'm tired, I think I'll lay down.

I'm tired, I think I'll lie down.

'Lay' requires a direct object, while 'lie' is used for the subject's own body position.

Phrasal verb

Particles

down

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

lie + down

Synonyms

reclinereststretch out

Antonyms

stand upget up

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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