I talk 27-4 In formal English, the present participle form of lie, meaning "to recline," is required after the helping verbs had been. In formal English, the past-tense form of lay, meaning "to put," is required. The subject, American, is third-person singular, so the verb should be learns. A past participle, in this case supposed, is required after the helping verb have. The subject, people, is third-person plural. Only third-person singular subjects take verbs with -s endings. The subject, official, is third-person singular, so the verb should be has.  A past participle, in this case postponed, is required after the helping verb was. The subjunctive mood is required in if clauses expressing a condition contrary to fact.