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What is the difference between ‘lend’ and ‘borrow’?

What is the difference between ‘lend’ and ‘borrow’?

June 8, 2013 By Nestor 4 Comments

Are you confused how to use lend and borrow in a sentence? If so, you are not alone. Many learners have this problem.

However, the difference is actually very simple. It is similar to the difference between give and take, buy and sell. In this post I will explain.

borrow

borrow = get something from somebody for a limited period of time.
You borrow something from somebody.

  • Can I borrow your dictionary?
  • I need to make a call. Can I borrow your phone?
  • I went to the library to borrow some books.
  • I borrowed some money from John. I must pay him back.

lend

lend = give something to somebody for a limited period of time.
You lend something to somebody.
You can also lend somebody something.

  • I can lend you my dictionary.
  • If you need to make a call, I can lend you my phone.
  • I’ll lend you my computer if you lend me your car.
  • I lent some money to Kate. She didn’t have any cash.

Filed Under: Confusing words in English

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sawiz says

    June 26, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Hi :
    I hope you are be fine and enjoy from your daily life
    as I mentioned my name above I am from Afghanistan and I am interested to learn English perfectly in the best manner please I need for those English words who make a confusion in usages .

    Reply
  2. asela says

    November 2, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    i was over the moon.carry on…carry on………..

    Reply
  3. Shmael riaz says

    January 24, 2017 at 8:06 pm

    Hi
    Thanks alot
    I was always confused where to use lend and borrow ,
    You cleared my confusion
    Still i wanna ask whether the following sentence are correct or not ;

    1) Will you lend me your pen for a minute ?
    2) Can you lend me your watch for a day?

    Waiting for your reply
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Nestor says

      January 25, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      Yes, they are correct but ‘Will you lend me …?’ as a request sounds very formal. It’s more common to say ‘Can you lend me …?’

      Reply

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