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    Is It Lie in Bed or Lay in Bed?

    The correct phrase is "lie in bed" when referring to reclining or resting in bed.

    "Lie" is an intransitive verb meaning to recline or rest on a surface (no direct object).

    • Present tense: I lie in bed
    • Past tense: I lay in bed
    • Past participle: I have lain in bed

    "Lay" is a transitive verb meaning to put or place something down (requires a direct object).

    • Present tense: I lay the book on the table
    • Past tense: I laid the book on the table
    • Past participle: I have laid the book on the table

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