Take a look at the sentence again:
The bright floral-print tie __________ against Dr. Kinser's crisp white
shirt gives everyone the impression that snow has fallen in the rainforest.
The tie is resting against Dr. Kinser's shirt. Thus, you need a form of lie. The blank requires a present participle. Consult the table below or review the rules.
| Infinitive | Definition | Simple Present | Simple Past | Past Participle | Present Participle |
| to lay | to put something down | lay(s) | laid | laid | laying |
| to lie | to rest or recline | lie(s) | lay | lain | lying |