Hello, enthusiastic learners! Today we’re going to untangle a common point of confusion in English: the words lend and borrow. These words both involve the temporary transfer of something, but from different perspectives.
Lend
The word lend (IPA: /lɛnd/) is a verb that means to give something to someone for a temporary period, expecting it back.
Here are 5 examples:
- Can you lend me your pencil? (Can you let me use your pencil temporarily?)
- The library will lend books for two weeks. (The library allows you to borrow books for two weeks)
- My friend lends me her notes after each class. (My friend lets me use her notes temporarily after each class)
- The bank refused to lend him any more money. (The bank wouldn’t let him borrow more money)
- I lend my brother my car when his is in the shop. (I let my brother use my car when his is being repaired)
Borrow
The word borrow (IPA: /ˈbɒr.oʊ/) is a verb meaning to take and use something belonging to someone else with the intention of returning it.
Here are 5 examples:
- May I borrow your pen? (Can I use your pen temporarily?)
- She often borrows clothes from her sister. (She often uses her sister’s clothes temporarily)
- I borrowed a book from the library. (I took a book from the library to use temporarily)
- He had to borrow money to pay the bills. (He had to use someone else’s money to pay the bills, intending to repay it)
- Can I borrow your car for the day? (Can I use your car for the day and return it to you later?)
Conclusion
To wrap up, remember that you lend something to someone when you temporarily give it, and you borrow something from someone when you temporarily take it. If you keep these definitions in mind, you’ll never mix up these terms again!
