Review: Frequently Confused Verbs

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In the following sentences identify whether or not the highlighted verb or compound verb is used correctly.

  1. The leftover casserole has been setting in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
  2. The cows were laying in the field even though it was raining.
  3. Set that vase on the sideboard.
  4. The beavers spent the afternoon lying new branches on the lodge.
  5. Joe argues that setting in a rocking chair is a form of aerobic exercise.
  6. The entire group suddenly sitted down.
  7. While they were lying the new linoleum, the men listened to rap music.
  8. The cat preferred to set on the dining room table.
  9. After the clerk had laid the fabric on the table, Bridget saw several small grease spots.
  10. While Karen and Ian were sitting the post in the concrete, they were harassed by clouds of black flies.
  11. Samira laid down for a short nap before the concert.
  12. We have set here four hours and still haven’t caught a fish.
  13. After lying the egg carton on the counter, Beverly began to search for the frying pan.
  14. After she had sat her laptop down, she was able to find her keys.
  15. Charlie and Paul lied in the sun all afternoon.
  16. The youngest child usually sets in a special chair.
  17. We spent the morning lying on the sofa watching cartoons instead of raking the leaves.
  18. Jason carefully sits the bamboo container on the windowsill.
  19. The records were ruined because they had laid on top of the radiator all weekend.
  20. Lie those boxes on the top shelf in the garage.

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Written by Heather MacFadyen Copyright © 1994, 1995 and 1996 by the University of Ottawa (Terms of use.)