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Lay Vs Laid!

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Lay Vs Laid!

by gmat_perfect » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:52 am
Darwin was not the first to advance a theory of evolution; his tremendous originality lay in the fact that he proposed the idea of natural selection as the means by which evolution worked.

(A) lay in the fact that he proposed the idea
(B) lay in the fact of his proposing the idea
(C) laid in the fact of his proposing the idea
(D) laid in his proposal
(E) lay in his proposal

My explanation:

Originality does not lay "in the fact". A, B, and C are out.

What is the problem in D?

Would any expert explain?

Please...

Thanks.
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by 22 » Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:26 am
This is because of the diff between "lay" and "laid"

"lay" is correct for it is the past tense of "to lie.", whereas "Laid" is the past tense of the verb "to lay," which needs an object.
means: ... his originality "lies" in... now use the correct tense and the best answers is E.
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