I often catch myself hesitating over whether to write lieing or lying, especially when typing quickly or drafting emails.
I know you’re here because, like me, you want your writing to be accurate, professional, and easy to read.
This common spelling confusion can affect essays, social media posts, or formal documents if not handled correctly.
I’ve put together this guide to explain why lying is the correct spelling, show common mistakes to avoid, and give practical examples for everyday use.
By the end, you’ll never second-guess yourself when using this word again.
Lieing or Lying – Quick Answer ✅
- Correct spelling:lying
- Example: He is lying about his whereabouts.
- Example: He is lying about his whereabouts.
- Incorrect spelling:lieing
- Why wrong: English drops the “e” when adding -ing to verbs ending in a silent “e.”
- Why wrong: English drops the “e” when adding -ing to verbs ending in a silent “e.”
Quick tip: Always use lying, never lieing, in any context.
The Origin of Lying
The verb lie (to not tell the truth) comes from Old English lyge, which evolved over centuries into lie. The present participle rule in English states that verbs ending in a silent “e” drop the “e” before adding -ing. This is why lying is correct, similar to dying from die or tying from tie. Historical usage confirms that lieing was never standard English.
Why “Lieing” is Wrong
Many people mistakenly write lieing because they try to follow regular verb patterns. The confusion usually arises because:
- “Lying” looks unusual compared to other -ing forms.
- People are influenced by words like “seeing” or “being,” which do not drop letters.
- Typing quickly often results in the common typo lieing.
Correct form: lying
- He was lying to his teacher. ✅
Incorrect form: lieing - He was lieing to his teacher. ❌
Common Mistakes with Lying
- Confusing lying (not telling the truth) with laying (to place something down).
- He is lying on the couch. ✅
- He is laying the book on the table. ✅
- He is lying on the couch. ✅
- Writing lieing instead of lying.
- Using lying for physical position when laying is correct.
Remember: lying = deception, laying = physical placement.
Lying in Everyday Examples
- Emails: I apologize if I was lying in my previous statement.
- Social media: Stop lying to your followers!
- Essays & formal writing: The witness was lying under oath.
- Casual conversation: He’s lying about finishing his homework.
Always double-check your spelling: “lying” is correct in every context referring to dishonesty.
Lying – Google Trends & Usage Data
- Searches for lying spike during topics like relationships, politics, or news scandals.
- Lieing has negligible usage and is considered a typo in search data.
- Correct usage ensures better readability and professionalism online.
Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Use | Example |
| lying | ✅ Yes | Not telling the truth | She is lying about her age. |
| lieing | ❌ No | Incorrect | She is lieing about her age. |
FAQs
1. Is “lieing” ever correct?
No, “lieing” is always incorrect. Use lying.
2. How do I remember the rule?
Drop the silent “e” when adding -ing to verbs ending in “e”: lie → lying, die → dying.
3. What’s the difference between lying and laying?
Lying = not telling the truth, laying = placing something down.
4. Can I use lying in professional writing?
Yes, it’s standard English and correct for emails, essays, and formal communication.
5. Is “lying” pronounced differently than “laying”?
Yes, lying rhymes with “crying,” laying rhymes with “staying.”
6. Are there other verbs that drop “e” before -ing?
Yes, like dye → dying, tie → tying, age → aging.
Conclusion
The correct spelling is always lying, never lieing. Understanding this rule is essential for clear, professional writing in emails, essays, social media, and formal contexts.
Confusing lying with laying can also create misunderstandings, so always double check your usage. By remembering that verbs ending in a silent “e” drop it before adding ing, you’ll avoid typos and common mistakes.
Correct spelling improves credibility and readability, ensuring your writing communicates exactly what you mean. Stick with lying every time, and you’ll never worry about appearing unprofessional again.
Mark Twain is a legendary writer at lingorae.com, celebrated for his sharp wit and timeless humor.
A true master of puns, he crafts clever wordplay that entertains and delights readers.
