TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
This is one of those surveys, a la the American Heritage Dictionary. Do
people consider it important to distinguish between these words:
lie: achieve a reclining position
lay: put; or past tense of lie
People, even on this list, seem to accept "I'm gonna lay right down and
program my VCR" as correct. I would always say "lie" in that sentence. I
also refrain from splitting infinitives, and I never use "media" as
singular, although I do say "the press."
The problem arises when I need to read and comment on someone else's work.
Should I point these out as errors or simply accept them as evidence of the
language's evolution.
Please send me your votes on lay vs lie, and I'll post the results. ...RM
Richard Mateosian srm -at- c2 -dot- org srm -at- radiomail -dot- net (510)540-7745
