Lieing vs. Lying: The Correct Spellings

The word "lying" has been in use in the English language for centuries and is derived from the Old English word "leogan." Its other forms include "lies" and "lied."

A trick to remember the spelling of "lying" is to recall that "ie" often changes to "y" before adding "ing" (as in die to dying). Thus, "lie" becomes "lying."

Between "lieing" and "lying," the correct form is "lying." The difference between the two is primarily in their spelling, with "lieing" being an unconventional and incorrect representation of the verb's gerund form. To spell "lying," one simply takes the base verb "lie" and adds "ing." It's important to note that when "ie" is present at the end of a word, it generally changes to "y" before adding "ing."

Incorrect: She has a habit of lieing on her resume.

Correct: She has a habit of lying on her resume.

Incorrect: He found the dog lieing in the shade.

Correct: He found the dog lying in the shade.

Incorrect: He was caught lieing about his whereabouts last night.

Correct: He was caught lying about his whereabouts last night.

Incorrect: I don't appreciate you lieing to me.

Correct: I don't appreciate you lying to me.

Incorrect: They were lieing about their results to get the contract.

Correct: They were lying about their results to get the contract.

Lying is being in a state of inactivity or dormancy.

Lying can mean to be situated or located in a particular place.

Lying is the present participle of the verb "lie," indicating a state of resting or being in a horizontal position.

Lying refers to the act of telling a falsehood or not speaking the truth.

Lying also indicates a manner or position of being spread out.

Present participle of lie1.

To be or place oneself at rest in a flat, horizontal, or recumbent position; recline

To be placed on or supported by a surface that is usually horizontal

To be or remain in a specified condition

To exist; reside

To consist or have as a basis. Often used with in

To occupy a position or place

To extend

To be buried in a specified place.

(Law) To be admissible or maintainable.

(Archaic) To stay for a night or short while.

Present participle of lie2.

To present false information with the intention of deceiving.

To convey a false image or impression

To say or write as a lie.

The manner or position in which something is situated.

A haunt or hiding place of an animal.

(Sports) The position of a golf ball that has come to a stop.

A false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood.

Something meant to deceive or mistakenly accepted as true

Disposed to or characterized by untruth

present participle of lie.

simple past tense and past participle of lye

The act of one who lies, or keeps low to the ground.

An act of telling a lie or falsehood.

Tending to tell lies, untruthful, mendacious

of Lie, to tell a falsehood.

of Lie, to be supported horizontally.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

given to lying;

She spends her Sundays lying in the sun at the park.

I caught him lying about completing his homework.

The cat was lying in its favorite spot by the window.

He was lying on the couch, watching TV all day.

She was lying in bed, thinking about her day.

The keys were lying on the kitchen counter.

The leaves were lying scattered all over the yard.

The book was lying on the table, where I left it.

She was lying about being sick to avoid going to school.

The dog loves lying by the fireplace on cold nights.

He was lying in the hammock, reading a book.

She was lying on the floor, doing stretches.

The papers were lying in a mess on his desk.

The towel was lying on the bathroom floor.

He enjoys lying on the beach and listening to the waves.

The coat was lying over the chair in the hallway.

The puzzle pieces were lying spread out on the table.

The magazine was lying open to the page she was reading.

She found her glasses lying under the bed.

He was lying about his age to seem younger.

He was lying through his teeth during the interrogation.

She was lying in the grass, looking at the stars.

She was lying on the sofa, lost in thought.

The phone was lying on the desk, ringing loudly.

He was lying on the floor, playing with the puppy.

To tell a lie with complete disregard for the truth.

To stay hidden and ready to attack or confront.

To keep a low profile or stay out of sight, often to avoid trouble.

To be at the most important or central part of something.

To be in a situation where the outcome is uncertain or could go either way.

To be someone's responsibility or fault.

To be in a state of destruction or disrepair.

To deceive by not revealing important information.

The body of a deceased person of national significance lying in public view.

The gerund form of "lie" is "lying."

The "ie" in "lie" changes to "y" when adding "ing," making "lying" the correct form.

"Lying" originates from the Old English word "leogan."

Recall that "ie" often changes to "y" when adding "ing," so "lie" becomes "lying."

Yes, "lying" can indicate being in a resting position or telling an untruth.

Yes, other forms include "lies" and "lied."

It's a fairly common mistake, especially for those learning English or not familiar with the "ie" to "y" rule.

No, "lieing" is an incorrect spelling. The correct form is "lying."

Context usually makes the intended meaning of "lying" clear.

Understanding the rule that "ie" changes to "y" before "ing" and practicing it can help ensure correct usage.