How to Use Lend and Borrow Correctly in Sentences (with Examples)
Understanding the difference between "lend" and "borrow" is a common challenge for both school students and English language learners. This distinction matters for exams, writing tasks, speaking, and daily communication. Mastering this concept with practical examples improves accuracy, builds grammar confidence, and prevents common mistakes.
| Word | Meaning | Who? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lend | To give something temporarily | The giver | I will lend you my book. |
| Borrow | To take something temporarily | The receiver | Can I borrow your book? |
Difference Between Lend and Borrow
The main difference between lend and borrow is simple: "lend" means to give something temporarily, and "borrow" means to take something temporarily with the intention to return it. Lend is about giving; borrow is about receiving or taking.
Lend and Borrow: Meaning and Usage
"Lend" is used when you give something to someone. The item will be returned to you later. "Borrow" is used when you take something from someone else and return it after use. Correct use helps in making your sentences clear.
How to Use Lend and Borrow in Sentences
Use "lend" when you are the owner or giver, and "borrow" if you are the one receiving the item. A simple rule: You lend something to someone. You borrow something from someone. This makes your communication accurate in writing and speech.
Common Usage Rules
- Always use "lend" when talking about giving temporarily.
- Always use "borrow" when talking about taking temporarily.
- Lend is always followed by the object and usually by “to”.
- Borrow is always followed by the object and usually by “from”.
Lend vs Borrow Comparison Table
| Aspect | Lend | Borrow |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To give temporarily | To take temporarily |
| Subject’s Role | The person giving | The person receiving |
| Preposition | to (lend to someone) | from (borrow from someone) |
| Example Sentence | Can you lend me a pen? | Can I borrow your pen? |
| Banking Example | Banks lend money to people. | People borrow money from banks. |
Examples of Lend and Borrow in Sentences
Lend: Sentences
- My friend will lend me her notes for the exam.
- Can you lend your dictionary to me?
- I never lend my mobile phone to anyone.
Borrow: Sentences
- I will borrow a book from the library.
- May I borrow your charger?
- He borrowed my calculator for the math test.
Common Mistakes with Lend and Borrow
Students often mix up these words. Using “borrow me your pen” or “Can I lend your book?” is wrong. Remember to use "lend" when you give, and "borrow" when you take. This helps avoid confusion in exams and daily conversation.
Practical Activities: Lend vs Borrow Practice
Test your skills. Fill the blank with "lend" or "borrow":
- Can you _____ me your umbrella?
- May I _____ your pencil?
- Did you _____ the game to your brother?
- Who did you _____ the dictionary from?
Answers: lend, borrow, lend, borrow
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
Knowing when to use lend or borrow makes your English sound natural. It is important in school tests, competitive exams, and for good writing. At Vedantu, we help students master such grammar rules for real-life use and exam success.
For further help on grammar topics, see Difference Between Was And Were and Common Grammar Mistakes.
Summary
Lend means to give something for a short time; borrow means to take something for a short time with the promise to return it. Remember: the lender gives, and the borrower receives. Understanding this difference is key for confident English writing and clear speaking.
FAQs on Difference Between Lend and Borrow: Meaning, Usage & Examples
1. What is the difference between 'lend' and 'borrow' in English?
The main difference between lend and borrow lies in who is giving and who is receiving. Lend means to give something temporarily, while borrow means to receive something temporarily with the intention of returning it. The subject of the sentence uses 'lend,' while the object uses 'borrow'.
2. How do I know when to use 'lend' or 'borrow'?
Use lend when you are the one giving something to someone else. Use borrow when you are the one receiving something from someone else. Remember, lending involves giving, and borrowing involves receiving. This understanding is essential for correct grammar and clear communication.
3. Can you give examples of 'lend' and 'borrow' in sentences?
Here are some examples illustrating the use of lend and borrow: I will lend you my book. Can I borrow your pen? She lent him her car for the weekend. He borrowed money from the bank. Understanding these simple examples clarifies the difference between these two verbs.
4. Does a bank lend or borrow money?
Banks primarily lend money to individuals and businesses. While they also borrow money (e.g., through interbank lending), their core function is lending.
5. Is it correct to say "borrow me your pen"?
No, that's incorrect. The correct sentence is "Can I borrow your pen?" or "Please lend me your pen." The correct usage always depends on who is giving (lend) and who is receiving (borrow).
6. When to use borrow and lend?
Use lend when you are giving something to someone. Use borrow when you are receiving something from someone. The key is understanding the direction of the action: giving (lend) versus receiving (borrow).
7. What is an example of lend and borrow?
Lend example: "I will lend you my car." Borrow example: "May I borrow your bicycle?" These simple examples illustrate the core difference: lend focuses on the giver; borrow focuses on the receiver.
8. Do I lend or borrow from someone?
You borrow from someone. You lend to someone. This simple distinction is crucial for correct grammar and avoiding common errors.
9. What's the difference between "borrow" and "owe"?
Borrowing implies a temporary taking with the intention to return. Owing implies a debt or obligation, regardless of whether it was initially borrowed. You can borrow money and then owe it until you repay it.
10. Can 'lend' and 'borrow' ever appear together in one sentence?
Yes, for instance: "I borrowed a book from the library to lend to my friend." This example shows both actions within a single sentence, highlighting the reciprocal nature of these verbs.
