Extract:
Which word is used incorrectly in the following sentence?
Dr. Leo lay the paperwork out upon the table for us to view.
-
A
lay
-
B
upon
-
C
us
-
D
view
The word "lay" is used incorrectly; the past tense of "lie" (to recline) is "lay," but the past tense of "lay" (to place) is "laid."
A) lay
"Lay" is the present tense of the transitive verb meaning "to place," but its past tense is "laid"—not "lay." Dr. Leo performed this action in the past ("Dr. Leo laid the paperwork"), making "lay" the incorrect past tense form. Confusion arises because "lay" is also the past tense of the intransitive verb "lie" (to recline).
B) upon
"Upon" is correctly used as a preposition indicating position on a surface. Though slightly formal compared to "on," it's grammatically acceptable and properly employed here.
C) us
"Us" is the correct objective case pronoun functioning as the object of the preposition "for." No case error affects this pronoun usage.
D) view
"View" functions correctly as an infinitive verb ("to view") completing the purpose clause. No grammatical error affects this verb form.
Conclusion
"Lay" versus "laid" represents a common verb tense confusion. Since Dr. Leo actively placed paperwork (transitive action) in the past, the correct past tense is "laid"—not "lay," which is either present tense transitive or past tense intransitive ("lie" → "lay").