Language is a delicate matter, so you can paraphrase the most famous phrase from a Soviet film. The language is constantly changing, supplemented with new words, it discards some word forms as unnecessary, forgetting them forever, and revives others over time.

Finding the difference between some words is not just difficult, but almost impossible, and this, in turn, leads to many errors in the use of these words. Perhaps everyone who has been corrected at least once has wondered which is correct: lie down or lay down. I tried to find some information, but without receiving a specific answer, I realized that it was better not to use the word “lay down” at all. So what is the difference, and are those who endlessly correct those who are confused right?

What's the difference?

Some researchers say that “to lay down” is an archaic form that has fallen out of use. Others note that debates about whether it is correct to say “put” or “lay down” are, in principle, pointless, because these words are synonyms with only slightly different meanings. Sources say that the word "lay" was used when an object was placed on some surface, and "put" was used when it was placed inside something (that is, "put on the table" and "put in the table" ).

"Lie down"!

An interesting version is associated with the disappearance of the verb “to lay down” from the modern Russian language (a century and a half ago it was still considered a literary word). It is likely that Western films were to blame. In the Soviet Union, cinema was subject to such censorship that not a single swear word slipped through. But when American films began to appear in the country, where there were both curses and detailed descriptions sexual intercourse, some words began to be associated among people with completely natural processes (for example, the word “cum” began to be considered not entirely decent; it was replaced by “finish”). Use in everyday life something like that is worthless, so the word “lay” fell out of use. From time to time, of course, they remember it, and then the question arises of how to speak: to put it down or to lay it down.

General rule

But let's return to the use of words. The simplest and most well-known rule: “lay down” - only with the prefix, and “put down” - without it. This is the easiest way to remember, it will immediately be clear which is correct: I’m putting it down or putting it down. To delve into the wilds of philology, we can say that “putting” is only for actions of the imperfect form (putting - what to do?), while “laying down” is the perfect form (putting down, laying down, laying down - what to do?). One rule follows from the second, so you just need to remember to use a prefix with one of these verbs.

Exceptions

The rule, of course, is clear. But what to do with the verb “lay out,” for example? The root is still the same, but there is a prefix - so the rule is being challenged? Or the well-known “working hard” - here the infinitive is generally “lacking”, which, in principle, does not exist in the language! So here it is. “Poklast” is an obsolete verb that has fallen out of use and is now found only in the lyrics of some poets, for example Nekrasov. With “lay out” everything is much simpler - it is a verb of the same imperfect form, so its use in speech is quite acceptable.

Another interesting point is the verb “to assign”. In the Russian language there is an alternation of the roots lag/lozh, so this word is definitely the same root as the ill-fated “log”. It seems that there is a prefix, but at the same time this verb is of an imperfect form, which contradicts the rule. It is likely that it is better to consider “assign” as just another exception, of which there are a huge number in the Russian language. One cannot help but recall “to lie down” - an imperfect verb, used without a prefix, but at the same time considered quite literary.

In general, one can argue for a very long time about what is the correct way: to put it down or to put it down. Numerous exceptions prove that it is simply stupid to say that the rule will allow you to figure it out once and for all, so it is best to remember the axiom: with a prefix - “lay down”, without a prefix - “put down”.

From a philological point of view

If everything is so easy, then why is it difficult when you need to choose: to use the word “lay” or “put”? Here it’s a matter of native speakers, of the people themselves. In Dahl’s dictionary, “lay down” is considered a completely literary word, while Ushakov says that it is a colloquial expression.

Language is constantly changing, some words leave it, some begin to be used in a different meaning - this is what happens with “lay down”. The situation, as some researchers say, is the same as with the word “coffee,” the gender of which many people cannot remember. Likewise, “lay down,” which is more familiar to Russian people for unknown reasons, constantly displaces the correct “put down.”

Philologists are afraid that the day will soon come when both versions of the verb will be considered correct, as happened with the same “coffee” (now it is both masculine and neuter) - the language is currently being simplified. But for now, the good news is that a large number of Internet users, in response to the question “Putting or laying down - which is correct?”, often asked on various forums, declare that the verb “laying down” does not exist at all. Of course, they are not entirely right, but at the same time there is hope for the preservation of the great and powerful literary Russian language.

Instead of a conclusion

I would like to finish simple exercise to consolidate the rule. You just need to choose which verb to use in these phrases. So:

Lay down the tiles, lay down in the bed, arrange the hair, lay out the wreaths, put the side dish on the plate, put the bandage on, not (lay/put) hands, have (lay/put) the child, you (lay/put) photographs.

In order to test yourself, it is best to ask questions about the verb, and by its appearance determine which of the two words is better to use: imperfect look(what to do?) - “put”, perfect form (what to do?) - “lay down” with prefixes or postfixes.

Probably, the debate about which is correct: “I’m laying down” or “I’m putting down” will never subside. There will always be someone who will argue: the main thing is how people speak, and let professors use dictionaries. And he will always be opposed by others who advocate for the purity of the language. And which camp to join is a personal matter for everyone.

Hello! Is it possible to use the word put in the following cases? -what kind of oil do you put in the salad? -I put olive oil in the salad.

Can. But better: What kind of oil do you use for the salad, add to the salad, etc.

Hello! I heard the phrase: the documents will be put in a folder... It seems that everything is correct, but it sounds very ugly. Is it possible to say that?

Russian language help desk response

Hello! Tell me, please, what is the correct way to say - putting to bed or putting to bed? I know about the rule of putting it down and putting it down. Interested in putting/putting to bed. They often say - I go to bed at 9 (for example). Although, as it seems to me, it’s correct - I put it at 9.

Russian language help desk response

Both verbs can be used in this meaning - I put And I'm putting it to bed.

If the verb “put” is used only without prefixes, then why is there a verb “to shift”?

Russian language help desk response

Not only him. More fold, put, put on etc.

To lay down or to put down? I found a theory that laying means placing it on a flat surface (bed), and putting it means putting it in a recess (treasure). There is very contradictory information from different sources. So what is the right way?

Russian language help desk response

Lay down – vernacular. In the Russian literary language there is only a verb put .

Is there a verb in Russian that means "possible"? For example: “Something should not be placed on something” meaning “You should not put anything on something.” And is such a verb stylistically neutral?

Russian language help desk response

Yes, from an active verb put a passive verb is formed put down, which is stylistically neutral. For example: the suitcase is placed on the bottom shelf, the suitcase is not placed on the top shelf.

Hello! A heated debate arose over the writing of the following phrase: “In the absence of the secretary, do not put documents on the table.” I think this particular sentence should say “in the absence of.” Am I right?

Russian language help desk response

You're right. Right: In the absence of the secretary, do not place documents on the table.

Good day.
What is the correct way to say: “put food” or “put food”?
Thanks for the answer.

Russian language help desk response

Both verbs can be used.

What is the difference between “put” and “lay down”?

Russian language help desk response

Putting- a commonly used word.

The second word you indicated does not exist in the literary language, it is a mistake to use it.

Please tell a foreigner which verb is better to use in the second and third person of both numbers of the present tense “put” or “lay down” in constructions like “He lays down/puts down”.
Thank you.

Russian language help desk response

You can remember the rule: in literary Russian the verb lay down used only with prefixes (put, report, shift) or with postfix -sya (to lie down) and the verb put – only without attachments. In the present tense: I put it, you put it, he puts it - Right. I lie down, you lie down, he lies down - wrong. And vice versa, in the future tense: I will put it, you will put it, he will put it - wrong; I will put it, you will put it, he will put it - Right.

I already asked this question, but did not receive an answer.
Please answer.

Which is correct (better)?
These concepts are completely different in type. And you don’t need to put them (put them) on the same scales.
Thank you
pivovarov

Russian language help desk response

Better: put on scales.

Is the question asked correctly and is the pronunciation allowed: “Where will the folders go?”

Russian language help desk response

This formulation is possible. Maybe better: Where should I put the folders?

how to put or stock correctly and got the best answer

Answer from Yovetochka-swallow[guru]
There is NO word "LIE" in the Russian language!

Reply from Malevich's model[guru]
I'm putting...

Reply from AngelinaV[guru]
I put it, as my teacher said, (they only put it in the toilet)

Reply from Artem turnip[expert]
I'm putting it in!

Reply from Valentin Ruchkin[guru]
I put

Reply from Southern Belle[guru]
Both verbs can be used, depending on the context. I put (not LIE) the notebook on the table, but PLACE the notebook. But, put (not put) the notebook; put the child to bed, do not put him to bed, and even more so, do not settle him

Reply from Yovetl@ya[guru]
I put it. lay down is written with prefixes - put, lay, lay out. Watch the movie "We'll Live Until Monday"

Reply from Orievich[guru]
I'll put a bunch... I'll put a pawn by the collar... I'll put a clutch... I'll lay down a spoon...

Reply from Nataly Tabakova[guru]
It is important to firmly understand that the word LIE is not in standard use / Expressions
Put the books in their place, I didn’t put them there (or didn’t lie) - a clear sign of illiterate speech,
low culture.
NORM: PLACE:
I put it
You put it down
Puts put
Put down, put down, put down
Put it down, put it down
PUT
I'll put it down
Put it down
Put it down
Put it down, put it down, put it down
Put it down, put it down. BUT NOT! put it down, put it down
Some of the verbs discussed here require special attention.
pay attention to the emphasis: the morphological form of the word can be chosen correctly, and the emphasis
wrong.
ATTENTION: PUT, PUT, PUT
KL'ALA
INCORRECT: poklast, poladu, etc. (This word does not exist in the literary language).

The concept of “pure Russian language” is quite difficult to define unambiguously in our time. A series of borrowings, due primarily to rapid technical progress, a developed vocabulary of slang and jargon, which are sometimes so firmly woven into everyday life that they are used inappropriately, and other factors pull our literature in different directions. It is not surprising that against this background many questions arise about the truth of saying: “lay down” or “put down”? This is just one of them. But even that is very important.

Modern Russian since childhood

Even in childhood, one could notice how adults correct children who say the word “lay”, correcting it to “put”. But is this true? Agree, “putting down” doesn’t sound quite natural. Which is correct: “lay down” or “put down”? In modern Russian, the verb “to lay down” is formally absent. It can be found in Dahl's dictionary, but even there it is not used in the infinitive. From this we can derive a rule.

Rule

I put the orange on the shelf. We put the orange on the shelf.

You put the orange on the shelf. You put the orange on the shelf.

He (she) puts the orange on the shelf. They put the orange on the shelf.

Here it is important to understand that when choosing how to say correctly - “lay down” or “put down”, you need to start from the specific action and word that will need to be obtained as a result. “Put” is used only without a prefix. In all other situations, it would be more correct to take the root -lie- and “assemble” the word (“I put the book on my lap,” but “I put the book on my lap”).

Another important point- the simple future tense cannot be formed from the verb “put”. Here the same root -lozh- from the non-existent verb “lay” comes to the rescue (“You will put this notebook in its place”).

But be careful when deciding which is correct - “put” or “lie”. As with any rule, there are some exceptions to this one.

Exceptions to the rule

There are interactive verbs. They denote some kind of repetitive action (applying or laying down - anything that can be done several times over a certain period of time). In such cases, you should use the verb “put” in your speech (“I lay dinner for each family member”).

Deciding whether to say “lay down” or “put down” correctly is not that difficult. It is enough to be guided by the rule given above, and do not forget about the exceptions. The only place where the verb “to lie” might be appropriate is in literature, if you want to emphasize someone’s illiteracy when writing a dialogue. Here's a pretty funny example:

“You have to go to bed, go to bed!” - Kondrat shouted, anxiously scratching his left heel

In oral form, this will most likely emphasize your personal ignorance of the Russian language. Be careful how you use words. They are a reflection of our personality.

The Russian language can rightly be called not only rich and beautiful, but also complex. Indeed, sometimes even a native speaker makes some mistakes both during a conversation and in the process of putting his thoughts on paper. Therefore, we continue to improve our language skills after school. One of these questions, when even a Russian-speaking person may find it difficult to answer, is: “how to say correctly: “put” or “lay down”.

How to do it right

It is grammatically correct to use the verb “put” instead of “lay down”. The confusion arises because the two verbs seem to have the same meaning. However, in reality, there is no such verb form as “to lay down.” Now let's figure out why it would be correct to use “put”.

Verb "to lay down"

As stated earlier, there is no verb “to lay” (just as there is no past tense “lay” or future tense “will lay”). The fact is that “lay down” can only be used with prefixes. For example, “put”, “overlay”, “report”, “attach”, “fold”, “shift” and others.

The fact that in the Russian language there is no verb “to lie” without a prefix is ​​mentioned in Dahl’s explanatory dictionary. It should also be noted that such verbs can only be used in the past and future tense.

For example:

• I put some books on the shelf and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
• To achieve success, you need to put in a lot of effort.
• I'll put a bandage on the scratch as soon as I get home.

Verb "put"

Interestingly, the verb “put” has the completely opposite property. It is used without prefixes. For example, the word “pokladu” does not exist, although it was previously used in the literary language. This form of the verb is now considered obsolete. The verb “put” can be used in all tenses: in the past, in the present and in the future.

For example:

• Before the exam, Vasya put a coin in his shoes, having read somewhere that this could help him get a good grade.
• The cook said that he puts the meat in the sauce only at the end of cooking this dish.

Exceptions

There is an exception for the word “to lie down”: in the Russian language there is a formation from this verb, which is used without a prefix: this is the verb “to lie down”. (This is an imperfect form; if you use this verb in a perfect form, you get “to lie down.” For example: “to lie down on the sofa” and “to lie down on the sofa”).

Examples with this verb:

• He goes to bed early so that he can finish his economics project in the morning.
• Everyone stayed up late until spring break ended.

When to use which verb

Verb forms formed with the help of prefixes from “to lay down” should be used when the action has already happened in the past or will happen in cases where the duration is not indicated.

• I moved things to another closet to free up some space.
• I'll put money in your account so you can buy yourself a car.

In these sentences, the action itself is important. Not its duration. The verb “put” is used when it is necessary to emphasize that an action is being done over a period of time, in the past, present or future.

“I have been laying tiles in the yard for five days” - in this case, the duration of the action itself is important, while the sentence “I have been laying tiles in the yard so that I can admire it from the balcony” would indicate the action itself. (The duration of laying the tiles is not important).

Where can they meet?

While reading fiction, we may come across a form of the verb “to lay down”. The author usually used this form to show that the character who used the verb was illiterate, or to recreate dialect or create a sense of vernacular in a passage.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what is correct: “put” or “lay down”. The Russian language is beautiful because it is rich in different rules and exceptions. Improve your Russian language skills to preserve Russian culture for our future generation.