Column Three

A Choice of Words


Have you ever found yourself having to make a choice between two words similar both in meaning and appearance? Did you ever solve the dilemma? There are many instances of word confusion—from lie/lay to emigrate/immigrate. This and future columns will deal with the correct usage in some of these situations.


Does one lay down, or lie down? If you are doing the “laying,” the proper word is “lie,” as in “I must lie down for a few hours.” The principal parts of “lie” are as follows: “lie,” “lying,” (I am lying down), “lay,” (I lay down for a few hours), and “have lain,” (He has lain there for the past half-hour!).


“Lay,” on the other hand, means to place something down. It would be properly used in a sentence like this: “Will you please lay that on the counter?” Its principal parts are “lay,” “laying,” (I am laying the tablecloth on the chair until I can clear the table.), “laid,” (She laid the wounded cat in its bed.), and “have laid,” (I have laid the keys there before.). The correct word may not sound right in context, but it will sound better once you get more to using it correctly.


What is the difference between “cite” and “site”? Is there any? In fact, the word “cite” is a verb, and “site” is a noun. To “cite” something is to make note of it. This word is properly used in a context such as “Have you properly cited all your sources for this essay?” (You may also know of portion of the research-paper called the “works cited page.” This page makes note of all the sources you used in researching for the paper.)


“Site,” however, means something entirely different. This noun refers to a place, a “site.” It is properly used thus: “This is the site of the catastrophic sinking of the Titanic,” or “My house is two blocks away from a busy construction site.” “Site” basically means “place where.”


Whenever you have a problem with what word to use, always consult a good dictionary. Most good dictionaries have usage notes that include information about these common word confusions. They will define the words you are uncertain about and explain which is properly used in the context of your piece.


As always, keep working in the pursuit of good grammar—it’s a life-long but worthwhile activity!


(Note: This article was written with information taken from the Handbook of Grammar and Composition, third ed. Written by James A. Chapman. Published by A Beka Books, Pensacola: 1996. Pages used were 66 and 130-131)


The Grammarian