Don’t confuse “sit” and “set.”
The difference between “sit” and “set” is very similar to the difference between “lie” and “lay.” In its most common definition, “sit” means to rest on the haunches: The elephant will sit on that little stool. The most often confused meaning of “set” is to place: Rosie set the apple on the table.
“Sit” is not often used in place of “set.” “Set,” however, is commonly misused. You might hear someone saying, “I think I’ll just set here awhile.” Wrong!
Here’s a hint. Like “lay,” “set” requires an object. If the object is missing, you know the word “set” is wrong.
Fill in the blanks with “sit” or “set.”
- Let’s_______ in the shade and cool off.
- Andrea______ the trinket on her windowsill.
- ___________down; the show is about to start.
- ________an extra place for our dinner guest.
