Grammar Quick Question (Grammar)

I decided to lay down on the bed, my head against the surprisingly soft pillow.
I decided to lie down on the bed, my head against the surprisingly soft pillow.

The question is, do I use 'lay' or 'lie'?

Thanks

-Brad

 

I believe you lay something down, or you yourself lie down.

But I'm not positive.

 

Thanks for your reply, I thought the same, hopefully someone will know with 100% assurance haha.

 

I actually think it would come down to more of a dialect issue than a grammar question. but I also think 'lie' just sounds better.

 

Pretty sure @GingerCoffee is correct.
You lay something but you yourself lie.

In as:

Do you lie your baby down?
or
Do you lay your baby down?

 

Thanks

 

Ginger is correct, and your instinct was correct. Here is the distinction, and a way to remember: lay needs an object--something to place or lay down while lie cannot have an object. You might lay an apple on the counter, but you can't lie an apple anywhere.