Correct spelling, explanation: lie and lye are two different words with distinct meanings and usages. The word lie can be both a verb and a noun. As a verb, lie means to be in or assume a horizontal position or to rest on a surface. As a noun, lie refers to a false statement made with the intent to deceive. The word lie in its verb form comes from the Old English word licgan (pronounced likh-an), which means to be situated, to rest, or to recline. As for the noun form of lie, meaning a false statement, its origin is from the verb form itself.

Definition of lie:
1. noun, an intentional untruth
Sarah was hurt when she discovered that her friend had told a hurtful lie about her to others.
The detective carefully analyzed the suspect’s statements to identify any inconsistencies that might indicate a lie.
2. verb, to be in or move into a horizontal position on a surface
After a long day at work, I like to lie down on the sofa and relax.
The cat decided to lie in the sunbeam streaming through the window, enjoying its warmth.

Collocations with lie:
Some most commonly used collocations include:
1. Tell a lie: to intentionally provide false information or deceive someone.
He told a lie to avoid getting into trouble.
2. White lie: a harmless or well-intentioned lie told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
She told a white lie about liking the gift to avoid disappointing her friend.
3. Lie down: to recline or rest in a horizontal position.
I feel tired, so I’m going to lie down for a while.
4. Lie low: to keep a low profile or remain hidden to avoid attention or trouble.
After the controversy, the celebrity decided to lie low for a while.

Correct spelling, explanation: the way you spell the word depends on the meaning you wish to convey in your sentence. Lye is a noun that refers to a strong alkaline solution, often containing potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The word lye evolved from Old English hlēg to Middle English leye and eventually to its current form lye in Modern English. Lie and lye are only differentiated by one letter, but they have completely different meanings. Remember that when spelling them.