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Review: Frequently Confused Verbs, Answer 19.2

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Question:
The records were ruined because they had laid on top of the radiator all weekend.
Answer:
The answer incorrectly formed compound verb is correct.
Explanation:
The compound verb had laid is transitive, but the sentence describes the position of the records rather than the act of placing them on the radiator. The intransitive verb had lain should be used.


© Department of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Ottawa, 2024

Date Modified: 2015-10-15

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