How many eggs were … by the hen?

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is in the passive voice: "How many eggs were _ by the hen?" We need the correct past participle of the verb that fits after "were."

Step 2: Explain the concept Two verbs are easily confused:

| Verb | Meaning | Present | Past | Past participle | |------|---------|---------|------|-----------------| | lay | to put something down or produce eggs (needs an object) | lay | laid | laid | | lie | to recline (no object) | lie | lay | lain |

• "Lay" is a transitive verb. It takes an object, such as eggs, a book, or a foundation.
• "Lie" is intransitive. It takes no object, as in "The child has lain on the bed."
• "Layed" is not a correct English word. It is a common misspelling.

Step 3: Apply to the sentence

• Eggs are the thing being put down or produced, so we need lay.
• The passive voice needs was/were + past participle. The past participle of lay is laid.
• "How many eggs were laid by the hen?" is correct.

Step 4: Eliminate the wrong options

• A. lain: the past participle of lie (to recline). Eggs cannot "be lain."
• B. layed: not a valid word.
• D. laying: the present participle. It doesn't fit after "were" in a passive construction.
• C. laid: the correct past participle of lay.

Answer: C. laid

Exam tip: Look for an object. If something is being put down or produced (eggs, a book, a table), use lay → laid → laid. If nobody is putting anything down and someone or something is just resting, use lie → lay → lain. Also remember that "layed" is never correct in standard English, so you can cross it out immediately.