Complete the sentence by choosing the most appropriate word: "I like __________ in the sun."

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of verb forms and gerunds in English. The sentence "I like __________ in the sun" needs an object for the verb "like". In English, when a verb such as like, enjoy, or dislike is followed by an activity, we usually use the -ing form of the verb, known as a gerund. You must also carefully distinguish between similar verbs "lie" and "lay", which have different meanings and forms.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• Base idea: the person enjoys resting in the sun. • Options: laying, lay, lie, lying. • The main verb is "like", which often takes a gerund as its object. • The intended meaning is to rest in a horizontal position in the sun.

Concept / Approach:
The main concepts here are verb patterns and the difference between "lie" and "lay". The verb "to lie" (lie, lay, lain, lying) means to rest in a horizontal position. The verb "to lay" (lay, laid, laid, laying) means to put or place something down. After "like", we normally use the -ing form of the base verb that matches the intended meaning, which is "lying" from "lie". Therefore, "I like lying in the sun" is the standard, correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recognise that "like" is followed by an activity, so a gerund (-ing form) is expected. 2. Identify the correct base verb for the activity of resting horizontally, which is "lie". 3. Form the gerund of "lie", which is "lying". 4. Create the full sentence: "I like lying in the sun." 5. Check each option: "laying" is the -ing form of "lay", which means putting something down and is not intended here. 6. Notice that "lay" and "lie" in their base and past forms do not fit after "like" because they are not gerunds.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by trying to insert each option into the sentence and judging its naturalness. "I like lay in the sun" and "I like lie in the sun" sound clearly incorrect. "I like laying in the sun" could appear in informal speech but would more correctly mean placing something in the sun. The most natural and grammatically precise sentence is "I like lying in the sun." This matches standard English usage and the explanation of gerunds after verbs of preference.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "laying", is the present participle of "lay", which normally takes an object, as in "laying the books on the table". It does not accurately express the idea of resting yourself. Option B, "lay", is the base or past form and cannot directly follow "like" in this pattern. Option C, "lie", is the base form and also does not match the gerund pattern. None of these options produce a correct and natural sentence in standard English.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse "lie" and "lay" because their forms overlap: the past of "lie" is "lay". This can lead to incorrect choices in exam questions. Another pitfall is forgetting that verbs like like, enjoy, and avoid usually take gerunds, not base forms or infinitives without "to", in such constructions. To avoid these errors, remember simple examples such as "I like reading", "She enjoys swimming", and "They avoid talking loudly".

Final Answer:
The correct completion of the sentence is "I like lying in the sun."