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Some verbs have related but different meanings. Three confusing pairs are sit/set, lie/lay, and rise/raise.

The definitions of these verbs tell us how they should be used.

Lets look at these definitions and some example sentences Sit: to rest in an upright position Set: to put or place an object
I sit in the chair. (I am resting in an upright position in the chair.) I set down the cup. (I placed down the cup.)

Lets look at these definitions and some example sentences Lie: to rest or recline Lay: to put or place an object
I lie on the blanket. (I am resting on the blanket.) I lay the book on the table. (I placed the book on the table.)

Lets look at these definitions and some example sentences Rise: to get up or go up Raise: 1. To move something up 2. To grow something 3. To increase something
We rise early. (We get up early.) They raised their hands. (They moved their hands up.) Farmers raise crops. (Farmers grow crops.) Ed will raise his lawn service fees. (Ed will increase his lawn service fees.)

Even knowing the definitions, these verbs can still be tricky. Here are some tips to know which verb to use and when! Remember that SET, LAY, and RAISE all talk about moving SOMETHING thats a direct object!

1. To decide whether to use sit or set, ask yourself, Set what? a. If your answer names something, use set. b. If the question has no answer, you should use sit.
2. To decide whether to use lie or lay, ask yourself, Lay what? a. If your answer names something, use lay. b. If the question has no answer, you should use lie. 3. To decide whether to use rise or raise, ask yourself, Raise what? a. If your answer names something, use raise. b. If the question has no answer, you should use rise.

Remember direct objects? They are nouns/pronouns that receive the action of a verb in a sentence

In the summers he ran the Flint Junior Golf program and taught us all how to golf. Jon Sciezka
Set, lay, and raise all work the same way:

I set down the cup. I lay the book on the table. They raised their hands.

HW: Complete the practice page Ive given you.

Yesterday we looked at some verbs that are often misused. Unfortunately, there are more than just those 3 pairs Today were going to look at 3 more pairs: lend/borrow, let/leave, teach/learn.

Again, the definitions of these verbs tell us how they should be used.

Lets look at these definitions and some example sentences


lend: to give borrow: to take Will you lend me your boots? (Will you give them to me?) May I borrow them for a hike? (May I take them?)

let: to permit leave: 1. to go away, or 2.to allow to remain in one place My brothers let me play with them. (They permit me to play with them.) Tomorrow we leave for a trip. (Tomorrow we go away for a trip.) I will leave my camera in the tent. (My camera will remain in the tent.)

teach: to give instructions learn: to get or understand instructions


Alice will teach tennis. (She will instruct about tennis.) Babies learn very fast. (They understand instruction very fast.)

HW: Complete the practice page Ive given you.

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