The correct option for the sentence "When the beggar was tired he ..... down by the roadside" is D. lay. Explanation of the Correct Answer

1. Understanding the Verb Forms: The verb "to lie" has different forms depending on its tense and usage:
2. Lie (present): to recline or be in a resting position.
3. Lay (present): to place something down.
4. Lied (past tense of lie): to tell a falsehood.
5. Laid (past tense of lay): to have placed something down.
6. Context of the Sentence: The sentence describes a situation where the beggar is resting or reclining. The correct verb form must reflect this action.
7. Correct Form: The past tense of "lie" (to recline) is "lay." Therefore, the correct completion of the sentence is "When the beggar was tired he lay down by the roadside." This indicates that the beggar reclined or rested when he was tired.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

• A. lied: This option is incorrect because "lied" refers to the act of telling a falsehood. The context of the sentence does not involve deception; it is about resting. Therefore, this option does not fit the meaning of the sentence.
• B. laid: This option is also incorrect because "laid" is the past tense of "lay," which means to place something down. The sentence is not about placing something down; it is about the beggar reclining. Thus, "laid" does not convey the intended action.
• C. layed: This option is incorrect because "layed" is not a standard English word. The correct past tense of "lie" is "lay," and "layed" is a common misspelling or misunderstanding of the verb forms.

Summary of Key Points

• The correct answer is D. lay because it is the past tense of "lie," which means to recline.
• "Lied" refers to telling a falsehood and is not relevant to the context.
• "Laid" is the past tense of "lay," which means to place something down, and does not fit the action described.
• "Layed" is not a correct form in English and should be avoided.

Revision Summary

• The correct verb form for reclining is "lay" (past tense of "lie").
• "Lied" is unrelated to the context of resting.
• "Laid" refers to placing something down, not reclining.
• "Layed" is a misspelling and not a valid English word.

Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the correct verb forms in similar contexts in the future.