Borrow vs. Lend: What’s the Difference?
Mastering Borrow vs. Lend: Simple Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Do the words borrow and lend make your head spin? Many English learners confuse these words because they are closely related. Let’s take a quick look at the key difference between these two words:
👉 Borrow = Take something temporarily.
👉 Lend = Give something temporarily.
If you’re asking for something, you want to borrow it.
If you’re giving something, you are lending it.
📺 Watch this video to see these verbs in action!
Definitions & Key Difference
🔹 Borrow = Take something from someone for a short time.
Example: I borrowed a book from the library.
🔹 Lend = Give something to someone for a short time.
Example: Can you lend me your pen?
💡 Tip: You borrow FROM someone. You lend TO someone.
Example Sentences
✅ Can I borrow your phone for a second? (Correct)
✅ Can you lend me some money until tomorrow? (Correct)
❌ Can you borrow me your jacket? (Incorrect)
✔️ Can you lend me your jacket? (Correct)
Mini Worksheet
Fill in the blanks:
I forgot my pencil. Can you _______ me one?
He _______ a bike from his friend last weekend.
She always _______ her clothes to her sister.
I need to _______ some books from the library.
Correct the Mistakes:
Can you borrow me your laptop? →
I borrowed him my car. →
She lent a dress from her sister. →
Your Turn!
Try using borrow and lend in your own sentences!
✏️ Describe a time you borrowed something and a time you lent something.
ANSWER KEY
Fill in the blanks:
I forgot my pencil. Can you lend me one?
He borrowed a bike from his friend last weekend.
She always lends her clothes to her sister.
I need to borrow some books from the library.
Correct the Mistakes:
Can you lend me your laptop?
I lent him my car.
She borrowed a dress from her sister.
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